Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, devices and methods for detecting microorganisms (e.g., anthrax). In particular, the present invention provides portable, surface-enhanced Raman biosensors, and associated substrates, and methods of using the same, for use in rapidly detecting and identifying microorganisms (e.g., anthrax).

Abstract: The invention provides a drive mechanism for an autoinjector, configured to be coupled to a drug containing portion to form a complete autoinjector, the drive mechanism comprising: a housing (20); a drive means coupled to the housing, the drive means comprising a resilient member (22); a retaining means coupled to the housing, the retaining means (60) engaging the drive means in a first position to retain the resilient member in a deformed condition, and releasing the drive means in a second position; and a coupling means (24) for coupling with a drug containing portion (10). The drug containing portion retains the drive means in a second deformed condition when the retaining means is in the second position, the drive means storing enough energy in the second deformed condition to drive needle insertion and/or drug delivery.

Abstract: A gasifier includes a combustion zone where a gas is introduced and fuel is combusted and at least one sensor for measuring a predetermined condition in the gasifier. A grate subsystem contains the fuel and includes at least one grinding mechanism. A controller is responsive to the at least one sensor and controls the grinding mechanism by activating the grinding mechanism if the predetermined condition exists to reduce the collection of non-fuel products on the grate subsystem.

Abstract: Systems and methods for second chance games are disclosed. According to one particular embodiment, a computer-implemented method may comprise: receiving information of a first chance game established on a first medium, wherein a play of the first chance game provides an access mechanism for a second chance game; establishing the second chance game on a second medium based at least in part on the information of the first chance game; predetermining, by at least one processor, an outcome of the second chance game by a associating predetermined results with a plurality of game sessions; receiving from a player a request to access the second chance game submitted based on the access mechanism; assigning to the player one of the plurality of game sessions having a predetermined result; and facilitating the player's play of the second chance game to reveal to the player the predetermined result of the assigned game session.

Abstract: Systems and methods for map-based prize discovery game are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for map-based prize discovery games may comprise: establishing an online game based on a map that includes a plurality of grid units; placing at least one object in hidden association with one or more predetermined grid units in the map; receiving from a first player at least one token and a selection of at least one available first grid unit; associating the selected at least one first grid unit with the first player; determining whether the first player wins a prize based on the selection of the at least one first grid unit and the placement of the at least one object in hidden association with the one or more predetermined grid units in the map. In another exemplary embodiment, it may be determined whether the first player wins based on a probability algorithm.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a thin film of copper, zinc, tin, and a chalcogen species (“CZTCh” or “CZTSS”) with well-controlled properties. The method includes depositing a thin film of precursor materials, e.g., approximately stoichiometric amounts of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), and a chalcogen species (Ch). The method then involves re-crystallizing and grain growth at higher temperatures, e.g., between about 725 and 925 degrees K, and annealing the precursor film at relatively lower temperatures, e.g., between 600 and 650 degrees K. The processing of the precursor film takes place in the presence of a quasi-equilibrium vapor, e.g., Sn and chalcogen species. The quasi-equilibrium vapor is used to maintain the precursor film in a quasi-equilibrium condition to reduce and even prevent decomposition of the CZTCh and is provided at a rate to balance desorption fluxes of Sn and chalcogens.

Abstract: A respiratory apparatus including an adapter assembly and a catheter assembly. The adapter assembly includes ventilator, respiratory, access, and flush ports. The access port includes a conduit defining a passageway. The flush port projects from the conduit and is fluidly open to the passageway at an outlet. The catheter assembly includes a catheter assembled to a fitting. The fitting includes a hub and a tube, with the tube defining an exterior surface, an interior surface forming a lumen, a circumferential groove in the exterior surface, and a plurality of apertures fluidly open to the lumen and the circumferential groove. The tube is sized to be slidably received within the passageway such that upon final assembly, a fluid pathway is formed between the flush port and a distal end of the catheter via the flush port outlet, the circumferential groove, the plurality of apertures, and the lumen.

Abstract: A method of dispensing different concentrations of chemical concentrate from a concentrate container at different flow rates. The method includes providing a stream of water and a chemical concentrate adapted to he diluted in the stream of water between an inlet of a body member and an outlet of the body member to provide a fluid concentration dispensable from the outlet at one of a plurality of flow rates, rotating at least a portion of an eductor to vary one of a volume of chemical concentrate and the flow rate, sliding the eductor to vary the other of the volume of chemical concentrate and the flow rate, and selectively dispensing the fluid concentration through the outlet.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a thin film of CZTS such as for use as an absorber in a photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a substrate in a chamber, and, then, depositing a film of CZTS material on the substrate, the CZTS material comprising copper, zinc, tin, and at least on chalcogen species. The depositing includes tuning an optical bandgap of the film with heterovalent alloying. The depositing is performed at low temperatures with the substrate provided in the chamber free of direct/active heating. For example, the substrate may be maintained at a temperature below about 150° C. during the depositing of the film. The heterovalent alloying involves controlling deposition rates for the copper and the zinc to define a copper to zinc ratio set the optical bandgap such as a value between about 1.0 eV and about 2.75 eV.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a thin film of copper, zinc, tin, and a chalcogen species (“CZTCh” or “CZTSS”) with well-controlled properties. The method includes depositing a thin film of precursor materials, e.g., approximately stoichiometric amounts of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), and a chalcogen species (Ch). The method then involves re-crystallizing and grain growth at higher temperatures, e.g., between about 725 and 925 degrees K, and annealing the precursor film at relatively lower temperatures, e.g., between 600 and 650 degrees K. The processing of the precursor film takes place in the presence of a quasi-equilibrium vapor, e.g., Sn and chalcogen species. The quasi-equilibrium vapor is used to maintain the precursor film in a quasi-equilibrium condition to reduce and even prevent decomposition of the CZTCh and is provided at a rate to balance desorption fluxes of Sn and chalcogens.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the processing, storing, and displaying of map data are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention facilitate more efficient storage, processing, communication, and display of maps and map-related data in connection with modern computers and communications systems. While originally developed for a map-based game, the techniques disclosed herein also have practical applications to other technical fields including but not limited to image processing (e.g., partitioning of images much like maps for storage, communication, or display) and heat mapping (e.g., visualization of a geographical distribution of certain attributes).

Abstract: Systems and methods for map-based lottery games are disclosed. According to one particular embodiment, a method for a map-based lottery game may comprise: establishing a game having a gameboard based on a map that includes a plurality of units; receiving from each of a plurality of players a selection of at least one available unit on the gameboard; uniquely associating each said player with the selected at least one unit such that each unit on the gameboard is associated with no more than one of the plurality of players; and conducting a lottery drawing to select at least one first unit from some or all of the plurality of units such that any player associated with said at least one first unit becomes a first winner of a prize.

Abstract: A minimally invasive tracheal fluid removal device and corresponding method of use for removing accumulated subglottic secretions in an intubated patient's endotracheal tube. The device may be configured as a dual-track or single-tube suction guidance system. This device presents a significant improvement over the art as it eliminates the need to reintubate the patient each time the suction mechanism is removed to be cleaned.

Abstract: A gasifier includes a gasification chamber including an annular chamber wall with a top opening for introducing fuel into the gasification chamber. A restricted bottom outlet section of the gasification chamber has inwardly angled wedge walls encouraging a mass flow rather than a funnel-flow of fuel through the gasifier.

Abstract: The invention provides a syringe or autoinjector for dispensing a drug comprising a rigid syringe body containing the drug, an oxygen absorbing material, a separating element between the drug and oxygen absorbing material to prevent the drug from contacting the oxygen absorbing material but which allows oxygen to pass from the drug to the oxygen absorbing material, and an oxygen impermeable container enclosing both the drug and the oxygen absorbing material, wherein the oxygen impermeable container partially or fully forms the rigid syringe body or is held within the rigid syringe body.

Abstract: The invention provides a syringe for dispensing a drug (1), comprising: a rigid syringe body,—a first container (2), in contact with and enclosing the drug; and a second container (3), enclosing the first container, the second container being less gas permeable than the first container, wherein the second container partially or fully forms the rigid syringe body or is held within the rigid syringe body. The invention preserves the drug but allows the drug to be easily accessed without the need for a user to remove a gas barrier structure as a separate action in addition to the other actions needed to deliver the drug.

Abstract: A device for storing and administering drug includes a housing, a sealing element (3) and a separate low friction plunger (4) which is substantially-permeable to gas over time. The sealing element (3) is typically broken to allow delivery of the drug. The housing (2) may be filled with the drug through an opening other than the opening through which the pusher (13) enters the housing to move the plunger so as to expel the drug during administration to a patient.

Abstract: A method of dispensing different concentrations of chemical concentrate from a concentrate container at different flow rates. The method includes providing a stream of water and a chemical concentrate adapted to be diluted in the stream of water between an inlet of a body member and an outlet of the body member to provide a fluid concentration dispensable from the outlet at one of a plurality of flow rates, rotating at least a portion of an eductor to vary one of a volume of chemical concentrate and the flow rate, sliding the eductor to vary the other of the volume of chemical concentrate and the flow rate, and selectively dispensing the fluid concentration through the outlet.