Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a solution of nanosheets, comprising the step of contacting an intercalated layered material with a polar aprotic solvent to produce a solution of nanosheets, wherein the intercalated layered material is prepared from a layered material selected from the group consisting of a transition metal dichalcogenide, a transition metal monochalcogenide, a transition metal trichalcogenide, a transition metal oxide, a metal halide, an oxychalcogenide, an oxypnictide, an oxyhalide of a transition metal, a trioxide, a perovskite, a niobate, a ruthenate, a layered III-VI semiconductor, black phosphorous and a V-VI layered compound. The invention also provides a solution of nanosheets and a plated material formed from nanosheets.

Abstract: A removable self-centring magnetically-clampable food-inspection pipe apparatus comprising: a food-inspection pipe with a through-bore having a tubular pipe body through which the through-bore passes, and a first connector part at each end of the pipe body defining first seating surfaces; and second connector parts which each define second seating surfaces and on which each first connector part is respectively slidably demountably seatable, one of the first and/or second connector parts having at least in part a magnetically-attractable material, and the other of the corresponding first and/or second connector parts having a plurality of magnetic elements equi-angularly spaced about a bore axis of the pipe body, poles of consecutive magnetic elements being opposite to each other, so that, as the food-inspection pipe is introduced laterally to the bore axis, the first and second connector parts slidably engage and self-centre the food-inspection pipe.

Abstract: A flow generator for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface. The processor is programmed to generate at least one of time-based or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and reminders. Time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time. The event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors. The user interface is configured to deliver the messages to at least one of a display, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician. By this system, operation of the flow generator is facilitated and enhanced.

Abstract: A flow generator for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface. The processor is programmed to generate at least one of time-based or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and reminders. Time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time. The event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors. The user interface is configured to deliver the messages to at least one of a display, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician. By this system, operation of the flow generator is facilitated and enhanced.

Abstract: A rotary introducer is provided for introducing a trackable element and/or contaminant onto a flow path of a food-transit system without adjusting a flow-rate. The introducer comprises an inlet and an outlet which is communicable with a food-transit conduit; and a pair of rotatable driving/drivable members. In a trackable-element receiving condition, the inlet is open to receive a trackable element in the device cavity, and the outlet is closed by at least one of the driving/drivable member. However, in a discharge condition, the outlet is open such that a trackable-element discharge force is directed radially inwardly through the outlet to discharge the trackable element from the device cavity, thus enabling outlet to close. A food-transit system using the rotary introducer and a method of introducing a trackable element and/or contaminant into food-transit system without adjusting a flow-rate of foodstuffs therethrough are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide compliance management tools such as for respiratory pressure therapy. In some versions, a respiratory pressure therapy system may include one or more processors, such as of a data server, configured to communicate with a computing device and/or a respiratory pressure therapy device. The respiratory pressure therapy device may be configured to deliver respiratory pressure therapy to a patient for a session. The computing device may be associated with the patient. The processor(s) may be further configured to compute a therapy quality indicator of the session from usage data relating to the session. The therapy quality indicator may be a number derived from contributions of a plurality of usage variables for the session in the usage data. The processor(s) may be further configured to present, such as by transmitting, the therapy quality indicator to the computing device. The therapy quality indicator may promote patient compliance.

Abstract: A removable self-centring magnetically-clampable food-inspection pipe apparatus comprising: a food-inspection pipe with a through-bore having a tubular pipe body through which the through-bore passes, and a first connector part at each end of the pipe body defining first seating surfaces; and second connector parts which each define second seating surfaces and on which each first connector part is respectively slidably demountably seatable, one of the first and/or second connector parts having at least in part a magnetically-attractable material, and the other of the corresponding first and/or second connector parts having a plurality of magnetic elements equi-angularly spaced about a bore axis of the pipe body, poles of consecutive magnetic elements being opposite to each other, so that, as the food-inspection pipe is introduced laterally to the bore axis, the first and second connector parts slidably engage and self-centre the food-inspection pipe.

Abstract: Methods or systems (7000) are implemented for treatment with or monitoring use of respiratory pressure therapy device(s). The device may be for a respiratory disorder. A processor, such as a processor of a server communicating with the therapy device, may analyse data relating to respiratory therapy delivered by the device. The processor may generate data in the processor representing a prediction, such as compliance prediction(s), about progress of therapy based on the analysis. The processor may select an action to improve therapy based on data representing the prediction. The processor may take or prompt selected action to improve the therapy. In some cases, a processor may analyse usage data concerning a period of days with a therapy device and generate compliance prediction indicators based on the analysis. The indicators indicate whether compliance will be likely. The processor may recommend engagement action to improve compliance based on evaluation of the indicators.

Abstract: Methods and Systems implement patient management. In some cases, a patient management system 200 may include one or more respiratory pressure therapy devices to deliver respiratory pressure therapy to patients, and generate therapy data relating to a therapy session for a patient. The patient management system may include a data server communicating with the therapy device(s). The data server may compute, from therapy data, therapy summary data for the session, the summary data may include one or more statistics summarising therapy data. The patient management system may include a therapy management server communicating with the data server. The therapy management server may apply one or more rules to the summary data, update or generate one or more workflow groups of patients, each workflow group corresponding to a rule, depending on results of the respective rule applications; and/or serve a graphical layout representing one or more workflow groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable square ruler or measuring device, comprising four right angled pieces, four first straight pieces, four second straight pieces, four third straight pieces, four fourth straight pieces and four fifth straight pieces. All of the right angled pieces, the first, the second, the third, the fourth and the fifth straight pieces being between 0.05 and 0.15 inch in thickness, made of a transparent material and having five interlocking fingers on one open end and corresponding five interlocking finger openings on another open end. Further, when four right angled pieces are coupled together either separately or together with four of any of the first, the second, the third, the fourth and the fifth straight pieces create a transportable, perfectly flat square or rectangular ruler which can be used for marking, trimming or cutting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formulation comprising whey protein or a hydrolysate of whey protein, which formulation is capable of inhibiting the expression of TNF? in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages in vitro. Also provided are uses of the formulation for attenuating a reduction in muscle function which results from muscle damage and/or for enhancing recovery from muscle damage and/or for enhancing the force generating capacity of muscle and methods of making the formulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable measuring device comprising a starting piece, an end cap piece and at least three straight pieces. Further, when the starting piece is coupled and capped with the end cap piece or coupled with one or more of the straight piece of the three straight pieces and capped with the end cap piece, a transportable, perfectly flat square or rectangular ruler measuring at least 3 inches in width and one of 6 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches and continuing in 6 inch increments, in length, is created, which can be used for marking, trimming or cutting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a solution of nanosheets, comprising the step of contacting an intercalated layered material with a polar aprotic solvent to produce a solution of nanosheets, wherein the intercalated layered material is prepared from a layered material selected from the group consisting of a transition metal dichalcogenide, a transition metal monochalcogenide, a transition metal trichalcogenide, a transition metal oxide, a metal halide, an oxychalcogenide, an oxypnictide, an oxyhalide of a transition metal, a trioxide, a perovskite, a niobate, a ruthenate, a layered III-VI semiconductor, black phosphorous and a V-VI layered compound. The invention also provides a solution of nanosheets and a plated material formed from nanosheets.

Abstract: A system and method for patient data processing during diagnosis and therapy of a patient's sleep disorder breathing. The system and method includes providing diagnostic providers and therapy device providers with a simple and fast way to generate a clinical diagnosis from a diagnostic device and to transfer that patient's record and diagnostic data to the therapy provider responsible for the patient's ongoing care. The patient may be automatically assigned therapy devices having predetermined therapy settings that are based on the patient's record and diagnostic data.

Abstract: A flow generator for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface. The processor is programmed to generate at least one of time-based or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and reminders. Time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time. The event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors. The user interface is configured to deliver the messages to at least one of a display, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician. By this system, operation of the flow generator is facilitated and enhanced.

Abstract: A flow generator for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface. The processor is programmed to generate at least one of time-based or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and reminders. Time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time. The event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors. The user interface is configured to deliver the messages to at least one of a display, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician. By this system, operation of the flow generator is facilitated and enhanced.

Abstract: A cane tip is provided for use with a cane or other walking assistive device. The cane tip includes a core for receiving a portion of the walking device. A plurality of helix shaped ribs extend from the core and form a pentagonal shaped perimeter. A softer material may be bonded to the ribs to provide a tread for gripping surfaces of the cane tip. The upper and lower members include a generally inner concave portion that is above the tread or bottom of the ribs. The concave portion and ribs provide cushioning while a user provides a down force to the cane tip during a standard use thereof. The cane tip also provides for self-supporting of the cane tip on generally level surfaces, as well as maintaining continual contact with the surface of the ground throughout the user's gait, unlike existing cane tips.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for testing the physical condition of an individual. The methods and devices rely on the use of a marker of physical condition, and have applications including determining an individuals state of physical recovery from prior physical or athletic activity, determining an individuals physiological readiness for optimal physical performance, determining changes in the risk of (or for assessing progression of) cardiovascular disease in an individual, and for determining exercise and/or athletic training instructions for an individual based on their recovery state, physiological readiness to perform, and/or their cardiovascular disease risk status. The methods and devices require a comparison between the rate of increase in heart rate of an individual during a sub-maximal physical activity, and a predetermined reference measurement.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a CPAP apparatus. The apparatus has a blower, a patient interface, an air delivery conduit for delivering air from the blower to the patient interface, a sensor for determining the pressure in the patient interface, and a control mechanism that causes air to be delivered at a desired pressure to the patient interface and that detects transitions between inhalation and exhalation of a respiratory cycle of a patient in order to synchronise the blower output with the patient's efforts. In one form the CPAP apparatus provides pressure in accordance with a bi-level waveform with at least one characterising parameter of the waveform being automatically adjusted in accordance with indications of sleep disordered breathing. The indications of sleep disordered breathing can be one or more of snoring, apnea, hypopnea, and flow limitation.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a CPAP apparatus. The apparatus has a blower, a patient interface, an air delivery conduit for delivering air from the blower to the patient interface, a sensor for determining the pressure in the patient interface, and a control mechanism that causes air to be delivered at a desired pressure to the patient interface and that detects transitions between inhalation and exhalation of a respiratory cycle of a patient in order to synchronise the blower output with the patient's efforts. In one form the CPAP apparatus provides pressure in accordance with a bi-level waveform with at least one characterizing parameter of the waveform being automatically adjusted in accordance with indications of sleep disordered breathing. The indications of sleep disordered breathing can be one or more of snoring, apnea, hypopnea, and flow limitation.