Abstract: An energy conversion device comprising a first electrically conductive layer, a mesoporous oxide layer contiguous with the first electrically conductive layer and comprised of volcanic ash particles and photoactive dye molecules adsorbed on the ash particles, an electrolyte layer contiguous with the mesoporous oxide layer and comprised of a redox mediator, a catalyst layer comprised of an electrically conductive catalyst material, and a second electrically conductive layer contiguous with the catalyst layer. The electrically conductive catalyst material may be graphene, graphite, platinum, or carbon. The device may be further comprised of a light transmissive substrate contiguous with the first electrically conductive layer. The mesoporous oxide layer may be further comprised of titanium dioxide particles. The volcanic ash may comprise a mixture of particles from different indigenous sources of volcanic ash.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device for delivering an aerosol to a patient includes a nebulizer configured to generate an aerosol containing droplets of a liquid medicament, an inhalation conduit defining an inhalation passage, an exhalation conduit defining an exhalation passage, and a single-piece filter connected to the exhalation conduit configured to capture at least some of the droplets of the liquid medicament from a gaseous or fluid medium. The single-piece filter includes a continuous, single-piece filter body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion of the filter body has a proximal end that defines an opening configured to connect to the exhalation conduit and the distal portion of the filter body has a closed distal end.

Abstract: A video game controller with a position sensor and a proximity sensor provides user input signals for use in determining game states. The video game controller can have a board or deck-like surface similar to that of a skateboard, and the proximity sensor can be used to determine if a user is in contact with or near the board. A video game associated with the video game controller can provide a skateboard or other game in which a skateboard and skateboarding character are responsive to a game player's manipulation of the video game controller.

Abstract: An array of photovoltaic panels comprising a plurality of primary branches extending radially outwardly from a central trunk, and a plurality of photovoltaic panels joined to the primary branches, wherein the primary branches extend outwardly from the trunk in a spiral arrangement having a ratio of x turns around the trunk for every y primary branches. The ratio of x:y may be derived from a phyllotaxic arrangement of branches and leaves on a plant. X may be a Fibonacci number, with y being its Fibonacci second successor. The ratio of x/y may be selected from certain Fibonacci ratios, including 1/3, 2/5, 3/8, and 5/13. A method of converting electromagnetic radiation to electrical energy, and a method of making a device for converting electromagnetic radiation to electrical energy in accordance with the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A humidifier assembly includes a water supply reservoir; and a vessel defining a water holding cavity configured to hold water at a water level, and having an inlet adjacent to the bottom thereof, a respiratory gas inlet, a respiratory gas outlet, a gas pressure equalization port, a water level control port, and a water level control pipe communicating with said water level control port and configured to extend below the water level in the cavity. Tubing directs water from the water supply container to said humidifier vessel. Tubing also extends between the water supply container and gas pressure equalization port and water level control port. A first one-way valve is disposed along a pressure equalization flow path between the reservoir and cavity, which path includes the gas pressure equalization port, with third tubing extending therefrom to an opposite end disposed under the water level in the water holding cavity.

Abstract: A respiratory mask for a medical patient including a shell and a flow coupling is disclosed. The shell includes an upper portion configured to cover a nose of the patient and a lower portion configured to cover a mouth of the patient, where an internal surface of the shell defines an interior volume of the respiratory mask. The flow coupling includes a body, a supply flow passage extending through the flow coupling, a scavenging flow passage extending through the flow coupling, and a septum within the body that separates the supply flow passage from the scavenging flow passage. The supply flow passage and the scavenging flow passage are fluidly coupled to an aperture that extends through the upper portion of the shell, and an aperture extending through the lower portion of the shell, respectively.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube assembly is disclosed. The endotracheal tube assembly includes an elongate tube having an outer wall, and a first connector disposed on the outer wall. The outer wall defines a generally cylindrical elongate central lumen therein, an elongate suction lumen therein, and a first suction lumen aperture therethrough, the first suction lumen aperture being in fluid communication with the elongate suction lumen. The first connector includes a first annular wall disposed within a second annular wall, where the first annular wall and the second annular wall extend away from a longitudinal axis of the elongate tube in a radial direction. An internal surface of the first annular wall defines a first flow passage, and a rim of the first annular wall defines a first connection aperture. The first connection aperture is in fluid communication with the elongate suction lumen through the first flow passage.

Abstract: A video game controller with a position sensor and a proximity sensor provides user input signals for use in determining game states. The video game controller can have a board or deck like surface similar to that of a skateboard, and the proximity sensor can be used to determine if a grab of the board has been attempted. A video game associated with the video game controller can provide a skateboard or other game in which a skateboard and skateboarding character are responsive to a game player's manipulation of the video game controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides in some embodiments, an endotracheal tube with subglottic secretion suction and a detachable suction line. The endotracheal tube is an elongate tube having an outer wall defining an elongate central lumen and an elongate suction lumen. An inflatable cuff is attached near a distal end of the elongate tube. The shoulder of the inflatable cuff is inverted in order to increase the diameter of the cuff from its distal end to its proximal end. The endotracheal tube also includes a connector to couple the suction lumen to a source of suction to remove subglottic secretions from the area above the cuff.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for automatically removing water or accumulated moisture from a breathing circuit. The device includes a housing with breathing circuit flow entry and exit ports and a water drainage port. A buoyant body in the housing can mate with a float valve seat to seal the drainage port, and is moveable to open the drainage port when sufficient liquid accumulates in the interior space. The buoyant body displaces a substantial portion of the housing inner compressible volume. Water is automatically removed by a water vapor permeable container coupled to the housing receiving flow from the drainage port, or the device is coupled to a source of suction, further including at least one bleed port fluidly coupling the source of suction to the surroundings, acting with a valve element to equalize any pressure differential between the housing interior space and suction connection, when no water is accumulated in the device.

Abstract: An array of photovoltaic panels comprising a plurality of primary branches extending radially outwardly from a central trunk, and a plurality of photovoltaic panels joined to the primary branches, wherein the primary branches extend outwardly from the trunk in a spiral arrangement having a ratio of x turns around the trunk for every y primary branches. The ratio of x:y may be derived from a phyllotaxic arrangement of branches and leaves on a plant. X may be a Fibonacci number, with y being its Fibonacci second successor. The ratio of x/y may be selected from certain Fibonacci ratios, including 1/3, 2/5, 3/8, and 5/13. A method of converting electromagnetic radiation to electrical energy, and a method of making a device for converting electromagnetic radiation to electrical energy in accordance with the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water dissipation device for removing water vapor or moisture from a breathing circuit is provided, including an upper lid portion, an entry port and an exit port. An outer cover structure extends from the upper lid portion to define an enclosed volume. An inner frame extends from the upper lid portion inside the outer cover structure. The outer cover structure includes a first layer of water or moisture wicking material and a second layer of water vapor breathable medium, and has an inner surface area bounding an inner flow space such that water vapor or moisture can permeate from the inner flow space through the outer cover structure out of device. The device can include an inner cup structure extending from the upper lid portion into the enclosed volume to displace the enclosed volume and define and bound a portion of the inner flow space and compressible volume therein.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a water dissipation device to remove water vapor from a humidified gas traveling through a breathing circuit between a patient and a ventilator, or a ventilator and a patient. The present invention includes a water dissipation device having a housing defining entry and exit ports for coupling to the breathing circuit and a breathable medium permeable to water vapor and impermeable to liquid water bacteria, viruses and other gases enclosed within said housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides in some embodiments, an endotracheal tube with subglottic secretion suction and a detachable suction line. The endotracheal tube is an elongate tube having an outer wall defining an elongate central lumen and an elongate suction lumen. An inflatable cuff is attached near a distal end of the elongate tube. The shoulder of the inflatable cuff is inverted in order to increase the diameter of the cuff from its distal end to its proximal end. The endotracheal tube also includes a connector to couple the suction lumen to a source of suction to remove subglottic secretions from the area above the cuff.

Abstract: A water dissipation device for a breathing circuit is provided, including a bucket-shaped hollow composite structure having walls made of a first inner layer made of water vapor wicking material, and a second outer layer of a water vapor breathable medium surrounding the first inner layer. The device defines a flow space surrounded by the composite structure to provide a superior way of removal of moisture or water vapor from a breathing circuit, due to the greater surface area of flow spaces bounded by a water vapor breathable medium and the use of a water vapor wicking material and relatively long dwell times and flow paths through the device. The result is that when the device is connected to a breathing circuit, rainout or condensation in the breathing tube and collection of water within the breathing circuit is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A video game controller with a position sensor and a proximity sensor provides user input signals for use in determining game states. The video game controller can have a board or deck-like surface similar to that of a skateboard, and the proximity sensor can be used to determine if a user is in contact with or near the board. A video game associated with the video game controller can provide a skateboard or other game in which a skateboard and skateboarding character are responsive to a game player's manipulation of the video game controller.

Abstract: A video game controller with a position sensor and a proximity sensor provides user input signals for use in determining game states. The video game controller can have a board or deck like surface similar to that of a skateboard, and the proximity sensor can be used to determine if a grab of the board has been attempted. A video game associated with the video game controller can provide a skateboard or other game in which a skateboard and skateboarding character are responsive to a game player's manipulation of the video game controller.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a universal, self-closing MDI adaptor for coupling an MDI to a breathing circuit without breaking the circuit. The present invention includes a self-closing inlet for coupling to an MDI, an inlet for coupling to an inspiratory limb of a breathing circuit, as well as an outlet for coupling the adaptor to the breathing circuit.

Abstract: A water dissipation device for removing water vapor or moisture from a breathing circuit is provided, including an upper lid portion, an entry port and an exit port. An outer cover structure extends from the upper lid portion to define an enclosed volume. An inner frame extends from the upper lid portion inside the outer cover structure. The outer cover structure includes a first layer of water or moisture wicking material and a second layer of water vapor breathable medium, and has an inner surface area bounding an inner flow space such that water vapor or moisture can permeate from the inner flow space through the outer cover structure out of device. The device can include an inner cup structure extending from the upper lid portion into the enclosed volume to displace the enclosed volume and define and bound a portion of the inner flow space and compressible volume therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device such as an endotracheal tube or a tracheostomy tube having a distal inflation cuff and a high surface area structure disposed radially around the tube on a proximal side of the cuff. The high surface area structure includes an antimicrobial agent. The relatively higher surface area of the structure and radial extension thereof from the tube allows the antimicrobial agent to better extend into a secretion pool collected in the region around the intersection of the cuff and tube within a patient's trachea, so as to better prevent biofilms from forming and thereby prevent infections such as ventilator assisted pneumonia (VAP).