Abstract: A cleaning catheter (200) includes fluid-delivery and suction lumens (520, 530). A flow regulator (700) defines suction and fluid ports (830, 827). A mechanical user control element (320) is configured to mechanically and non-electrically set activation states of the flow regulator (700), and transition between first and third configurations via a second configuration. When the control element (320) is in the first configuration, the flow regulator (700) blocks fluid communication (a) between the suction port (830) and the suction lumen (530) and (b) between the fluid port (827) and the fluid-delivery lumen (520). When the control element (320) is in the second configuration, the flow regulator effects fluid communication between the suction port (830) and the suction lumen (530), and blocks fluid communication between the fluid port (827) and the fluid-delivery lumen (520).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for irradiating biological tissue by EM radiation having radiation frequency(ies) of at most 10 Gigahertz are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the tissue is irradiated by passing converging EM waves (e.g. generated using an ellipsoidal mirror 110) through a surrogate medium having a specially shaped ENTRY_SURFACE via which the converging EM waves enter the surrogate medium. In some embodiments, a refractive index at a sub-10 Gigahertz of the surrogate medium is at least 2 or at least 3 or at least 5 and/or substantially matches a refractive index of an irradiated biological tissue. In some embodiments, converging EM waves are formed within the surrogate medium. Some embodiments relate to methods and apparatus for irradiating neuron(s), for example, to non-invasively stimulating or otherwise modify a behavior of neuron(s) using focused or non-focused EM radiation.

Abstract: A cleaning device, system and method for use with an ETT or tracheostomy ventilation tube 60, a ventilator machine 900, a source(s) 602 of fluid (for example, pressurized or unpressurized) and a source(s) of suctioning 603 is disclosed. In some embodiments, the cleaning device is useful for cleaning an inner surface of the ventilation tube 60 and/or for preventing or hindering the accumulation of biofilm thereon. In some embodiments, it is possible to clean biofilm or any other material on the inner surface 201 by delivering fluid into an interior of the ventilation tube, wiping the tube interior with a width-expanded wiping element (e.g. an inflated balloon) by longitudinal motion of the wiping element, and suctioning material out of the ventilation tube ventilation tube.

Abstract: A cleaning catheter (200) includes fluid-delivery and suction lumens (520, 530). A flow regulator (700) defines suction and fluid ports (830, 827). A mechanical user control element (320) is configured to mechanically and non-electrically set activation states of the flow regulator (700), and transition between first and third configurations via a second configuration. When the control element (320) is in the first configuration, the flow regulator (700) blocks fluid communication (a) between the suction port (830) and the suction lumen (530) and (b) between the fluid port (827) and the fluid-delivery lumen (520). When the control element (320) is in the second configuration, the flow regulator effects fluid communication between the suction port (830) and the suction lumen (530), and blocks fluid communication between the fluid port (827) and the fluid-delivery lumen (520).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for producing syngas where a metal vapor participates in a syngas-producing chemical reaction between steam, methane and optionally carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the method may be carried out, or the apparatus may be configured so that there is substantially no net production of an oxide of the metal. The syngas may be generated in the context of methanol production, of steam reforming or in any other context. Methods and apparatus for handling the products and by-products of the chemical reaction are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention delineates methods and devices for non-invasive generation of concentrated electric fields within a subject animal body using electromagnetic field sources placed outside of said animal body. Said sources, placed externally of the body, are operable to induce electric currents within the body of that subject and particularly in the brain. In particular embodiments, devices according to the invention can be used for focused deep brain stimulation (DBS) of selected brain regions with minimal effect on undesired other brain regions.

Abstract: There is disclosed the topical dermal use of vasocontrictor substances for regulating body temperature to treat, prevent or delay the onset of anesthetic induced hypothermia. Kits containing appropriate materials and instructions, and other embodiments, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for intubating a patient, comprising deploying a tracheal tube, a sleeve and a cuff into a human trachea such that after deployment, the tracheal tube passes through the sleeve within the trachea, the cuff contacts the outer surface of the tracheal tube and the inner surface of the sleeve and spaces the sleeve from the tube, and the outer surface of the sleeve contacts the trachea, so as to provide a seal, in the interstitial area between the wall of the trachea and the tube, between a proximal portion of the human trachea above the cuff and a distal portion of the human trachea below the cuff. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed the topical dermal use of vasocontrictor substances for regulating body temperature to treat cancer by inducing hyperthermia and treat, prevent or delay the onset of anesthetic induced hypothermia. Kits containing appropriate materials and instructions, and other embodiments, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, kits and methods for facilitating intubation of a patient. In some embodiments, a system includes an ETT tube that longitudinally traverses the interior of a sleeve. Preferably, the sleeve is outwardly biased, includes a fibrous skeleton, and is covered by an elastic, substantially-liquid-impermeable coating. Some embodiments relate to an apparatus technique for preventing downward movement of liquid by a connecting membrane Some embodiments relate to kits which, when assembled, provide any ETT system disclosed herein. Some embodiments relates to method of assembling, method of deploying, and methods of removing the ETT system or a portion thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides vasodilating medication as means for lowering fever when administered to humans in need of such treatment. In particular, the use of B3 vitamin substances and Nitric Oxide-donor ingredients in compositions intended for use in reducing fever is introduced. The core composition substances can be used effectively on their own. Yet, in combination with anti-pyretic substances such as Aspirin, Acetaminophen, and Ibuprofen, the present invention enables the use of reduced dosage of composing substances for achievement of desired fever reduction effect. In addition, an optional addition of sweat inducing plant extracts in any of the noted compositions leads to a synergistic effect of reducing fever by increase of both skin blood flow and perspiration.

Abstract: The present inventive subject matter is drawn to an apparatus for producing power using geothermal liquid comprising: a geothermal power plant for producing power using heat contained in geothermal liquid supplied thereto; and heating means apparatus for heating a solution and producing a heated solution for use in an electrolysis unit with heat from heat depleted geothermal liquid exiting a vaporizer of the geothermal power plant, wherein the electrolysis unit produces hydrogen for use in producing power.

Abstract: A method of recording information comprising combining three degrees of freedom of pit geometry and layout along the track, the three degrees of freedom comprising: using several pit lengths for run-length timing encoding: using several pit shapes to influence the collected light intensity level; and using several pit planar orientations to influence the reflected polarization orientation, thereby recording information in the timing, light intensity, and light polarization signals of the pits.

Abstract: An optical storage medium designed to be readable with light of a pre-determined wavelength, the optical storage medium comprising: a substrate; and a plurality of optically detectable marks imprinted on the substrate, each of the plurality of optically detectable marks exhibiting: a predetermined length; a width less than the pre-determined wavelength; and one of a plurality of orientations in relation to a common axis, wherein information is stored on the optical storage medium at least partially as a function of the one of a plurality of orientations. Preferably the optically detectably marks alter the polarization characteristics of an incident polarized light of the pre-determined wavelength, the altered polarization characteristics being detectable by at least one detector.

Abstract: The present inventive subject matter is drawn to apparatus for producing hydrogen using geothermal energy comprising: heating means for heating a solution for use in electrolysis with heat from geothermal fluid and producing a heated solution; and electrolysis means for producing hydrogen by electrolysis of said heated solution. The present invention also relates to a method for producing hydrogen using geothermal energy comprising: heating a solution for use in electrolysis with heat from geothermal fluid and producing a heated solution; and producing hydrogen by electrolysis of said heated solution.