Abstract: A system comprising an elongated member, sized and shaped to be inserted within a subject's trachea, the elongated member comprising proximal and distal ends; a seal, extending around the elongated member at or near the distal end of the elongated member; at least one wicking fluid pickup port, positioned near the distal end of the elongated member, the at least one wicking fluid pickup port located more proximal than at least a portion of the seal; and at least one lumen, coupled in fluid communication with the at least one wicking fluid pickup port and extending toward the proximal end of the elongated member, the seal comprising an inflatable cuff having a proximal surface, wherein the at least one wicking fluid pickup port is disposed near an inner tracheal wall when the distal end of the elongated member is positioned within a trachea of a person and the inflatable cuff is inflated.

Abstract: A system for scheduling a conference between callers includes a database that stores scheduling information indicating at least a start time, a duration, and a maximum number of callers for one or more scheduled conferences, the scheduling information reflecting available conferencing resources. A server complex coupled to the database communicates, to a requesting Internet Protocol (IP) user, at least one page including one or more scheduling input fields. The server complex receives scheduling input from the requesting IP user for a requested conference according to the scheduling input fields. The server complex accesses the database to determine, according to the scheduling input, whether sufficient resources are available for the requested conference. If so, the server complex allocates at least some available resources to the requested conference and generates confirmations of the requested conference for communication to the callers.

Abstract: A system for scheduling a conference between callers includes a database that stores scheduling information indicating at least a start time, a duration, and a maximum number of callers for one or more scheduled conferences, the scheduling information reflecting available conferencing resources. A server complex coupled to the database communicates, to a requesting Internet Protocol (IP) user, at least one page including one or more scheduling input fields. The server complex receives scheduling input from the requesting IP user for a requested conference according to the scheduling input fields. The server complex accesses the database to determine, according to the scheduling input, whether sufficient resources are available for the requested conference. If so, the server complex allocates at least some available resources to the requested conference and generates confirmations of the requested conference for communication to the callers.