Abstract: An apparatus or kit for a respiratory support system for delivering humidified gas to a user or patient. The apparatus comprising a humidifier chamber in pneumatic communication with a gases source, an inspiratory conduit in pneumatic communication with the humidifier chamber downstream of the humidifier chamber, a filter that is in pneumatic communication with the inspiratory conduit downstream of the inspiratory conduit, and a patient interface for delivering humidified gas to a user or patient, wherein the patient interface is in pneumatic communication with the filter downstream of the filter, or is configured to be placed in pneumatic communication with the filter downstream of the filter.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for extracting blood plasma from ultra-low volumes of blood. In some cases, the devices and methods use positive pressure to force a blood sample through a filter or a membrane. In some cases, the devices and methods use centrifugation to force a blood sample through a filter or a membrane. The devices and methods disclosed herein are suitable for the preparation of high-quality samples containing cell-free nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method to allow vehicles of low metallic mass to trip an inductive loop detector at a traffic light by first matching the loop detector's running frequency, then, while monitoring, raising the frequency of the loop detector through normal transformer action with a transducer that is in close proximity to the loop detector, until the frequency of the transmissions from the transducer and that of the loop detector just start to diverge. This is the point at which maximal influence is achieved over the loop detector's running frequency commensurate with the transformer couple that exists between transducer and loop detector. Since the initially encountered (uninfluenced) frequency of the loop detector is measured, and the degree of increase subsequently induced is known in real time, a display can be provided for the user showing not only that a loop has been detected, but also the degree of influence achieved.

Abstract: A controller that can move the effect of a wall switch from its associated a controller that can move the effect of a wall switch from its associated switched power outlet socket to any regular (always on) socket by use of a transmitter/receiver paired device located separately in the switched and non-switched power outlets respectively, thus moving the effect of the wall switch without any wiring modifications to the sockets. The invention may use infrared light, ultrasonics, or radio-frequency radiations, or modulations on the power supply within the building such as the X-10 system. The preferred (and prototyped) solution does not require replaceable batteries but instead uses capacitive power storage for use after power has been removed from the transmitter in order to send the “off” signal to the receiver. Both transmitter and receiver use a capacitive power supply.