Abstract: A system and method for balancing flows of renal replacement fluid is disclosed. The method uses pressure controls and pressure sensing devices to more precisely meter and balance the flow of fresh dialysate and spent dialysate. The balancing system may use one or two balancing devices, such as a balance tube, a tortuous path, or a balance chamber.

Abstract: A distributed control system may include a main processing unit, a distributed control module, and a controllable component. The distributed control module may be configured to receive a nominal command reference from the main processing unit, determine a series of cumulating command references based at least in part on the nominal command reference; and output a series of cumulating control commands to the controllable component. The series of cumulating control commands may be based at least in part on the series of cumulating command references.

Abstract: An electrodeless laser-driven light source includes a laser source that generates CW sustaining light. A pump laser generates pump light. A Q-switched laser crystal is positioned to receive the pump light and generates pulsed laser light in response to the generated pump light that propagates to a breakdown region in a gas filled bulb comprising an ionizing gas. A detector detects plasma light generated by a CW plasma located at least partly in a CW plasma region in the gas filled bulb comprising the ionizing gas and generates a detection signal. A controller generates control signals that control the pump light to the Q-switched laser crystal so as to extinguish the pulsed laser light within a time delay after the detection signal exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: An electrodeless laser-driven light source includes a laser source that generates a CW sustaining light and a pump laser that generates a pump. An optical beam combiner combines the CW sustaining light and the pump such that the CW sustaining light and the pump propagate co-linearly. A Q-switched laser crystal generates pulsed light in response to the pump. A gas-filled bulb is configured such that the pulsed light ignites a pulse plasma in a breakdown region of the gas bulb and the sustaining light sustains a CW plasma in a CW plasma region of the gas bulb, thereby emitting a high brightness light from the gas bulb, where the gas-filled bulb is positioned between the output of the pump laser and the pump input of the Q-switched laser crystal such that the CW plasma absorbs the pump light quenching the pulsed light generated by the Q-switched laser crystal.

Abstract: An electrodeless laser-driven light source includes a laser that generates a CW sustaining light. A pump laser generates pump light. A Q-switched laser crystal receives the pump light generated by the pump laser and generates pulsed laser light at an output in response to the generated pump light. A first optical element projects the pulsed laser light along a first axis to a breakdown region in a gas-filled bulb comprising an ionizing gas. A second optical element projects the CW sustaining light along a second axis to a CW plasma region in the gas-filled bulb comprising the ionizing gas. A detector detects plasma light generated by a CW plasma and generates a detection signal at an output. A controller generates control signals that control the pump light to the Q-switched laser crystal so as to extinguish the pulsed laser light within a time delay after the detection signal exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: A device for inhaling an active agent is provided that can be moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. The device comprises two flexible substrates and a membrane (40) located between the two flexible substrates, and the two flexible substrates being connected at two opposing edges and unconnected at two further opposing edges. An active agent provided on the membrane may be inhaled by a user when the device is in the second configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating manganese (manganese) toxicity in a subject. The method includes administering to the subject an effective amount of a hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

Abstract: An electrodeless laser-driven light source includes a laser that generates a CW sustaining light. A pump laser generates pump light. A Q-switched laser crystal receives the pump light generated by the pump laser and generates pulsed laser light at an output in response to the generated pump light. A first optical element projects the pulsed laser light along a first axis to a breakdown region in a gas-filled bulb comprising an ionizing gas. A second optical element projects the CW sustaining light along a second axis to a CW plasma region in the gas-filled bulb comprising the ionizing gas. A detector detects plasma light generated by a CW plasma and generates a detection signal at an output. A controller generates control signals that control the pump light to the Q-switched laser crystal so as to extinguish the pulsed laser light within a time delay after the detection signal exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: A method of mixing a pharmaceutical solution including adding a gas into an interior compartment of a mix bag to form a headspace. The interior compartment of the mix bag includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The headspace adjacent to the top portion contains gas. The method includes adding a solvent into the mix bag, and establishing a bubble column in the interior compartment by activating a recirculation assembly. The recirculation assembly includes a connecting pathway operably coupled to a recirculation pump. A first end of the connecting pathway is coupled to a top gas recirculation port and a second end is coupled to a bottom gas recirculation port of the mix bag such that the recirculation pump draws the gas from the headspace and delivers the gas to the interior compartment via the bottom gas recirculation port. The method includes adding a solute into the mix bag.

Abstract: A device for inhaling an active agent is provided that can be moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. The device comprises two flexible substrates and a membrane located between the two flexible substrates, and the two flexible substrates being connected at two opposing edges and unconnected at two further opposing edges. An active agent provided on the membrane may be inhaled by a user when the device is in the second configuration.

Abstract: An electrodeless laser-driven light source includes a laser that generates a CW sustaining light. A pump laser generates pump light. A Q-switched laser crystal receives the pump light generated by the pump laser and generates pulsed laser light at an output in response to the generated pump light. A first optical element projects the pulsed laser light along a first axis to a breakdown region in a gas-filled bulb comprising an ionizing gas. A second optical element projects the CW sustaining light along a second axis to a CW plasma region in the gas-filled bulb comprising the ionizing gas. A detector detects plasma light generated by a CW plasma and generates a detection signal at an output. A controller generates control signals that control the pump light to the Q-switched laser crystal so as to extinguish the pulsed laser light within a time delay after the detection signal exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: A device for inhaling an active agent is provided that can be moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. The device comprises two flexible substrates and a membrane located between the two flexible substrates, and the two flexible substrates being connected at two opposing edges and unconnected at two further opposing edges. An active agent provided on the membrane may be inhaled by a user when the device is in the second configuration. A method of using the device is also provided.

Abstract: An additive manifold includes a valve side including a plurality of valve mounts; and a tube fitting side including a plurality of integrally formed tube fittings. The additive manifold includes at least one passageway formed between the valve side and the tube fitting side, the at least one passageway allowing fluid communication between the valve mounts and the tube fittings.

Abstract: A cleaning device for disinfecting a Luer access device includes a housing and a cleaning material. The housing has an opening and elastomeric sidewalls defining an inner cavity. The elastomeric sidewalls are configured to deform and conform to respective surface features of the Luer access device. The cleaning material is positioned within the inner cavity and carries a disinfectant. The cleaning device is configured to removably engage the Luer access device, and the cleaning material is configured to contact at least a portion of the Luer access device when the cleaning device is engaged with the Luer access device.

Abstract: A system and method for balancing flows of renal replacement fluid is disclosed. The method uses pressure controls and pressure sensing devices to more precisely meter and balance the flow of fresh dialysate and spent dialysate. The balancing system may use one or two balancing devices, such as a balance tube, a tortuous path, or a balance chamber.

Abstract: A flush ring spacer, and method for using it, to adjustably support and firmly mount an electrical device, such as an electrical receptacle or switch, within a wall or other support surface. Using the present invention, electrical devices may be connected to 1,900 (4-square), gem or other electrical boxes, while remaining firmly flush to the wall or other surface. The electrical device will stay grounded and not move or push in (which can affect grounding), and the face plate will not crack and will no longer be used to support the electrical device.

Abstract: A system and method for balancing flows of renal replacement fluid is disclosed. The method uses pressure controls and pressure sensing devices to more precisely meter and balance the flow of fresh dialysate and spent dialysate. The balancing system may use one or two balancing devices, such as a balance tube, a tortuous path, or a balance chamber.

Abstract: A device for inhaling an active agent is provided that can be moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. The device comprises two flexible substrates and a membrane located between the two flexible substrates, and the two flexible substrates being connected at two opposing edges and unconnected at two further opposing edges. An active agent provided on the membrane may be inhaled by a user when the device is in the second configuration. A method of using the device is also provided.

Abstract: A distributed control system may include a main processing unit, a distributed control module, and a controllable component. The distributed control module may be configured to receive a nominal command reference from the main processing unit, determine a series of cumulating command references based at least in part on the nominal command reference; and output a series of cumulating control commands to the controllable component. The series of cumulating control commands may be based at least in part on the series of cumulating command references.