Abstract: Heating units, drug supply units and drug delivery articles capable of rapid heating are disclosed. Heating units comprising a substrate and a solid fuel capable of undergoing an exothermic metal oxidation reaction disposed within the substrate are disclosed. Drug supply units and drug delivery articles wherein a solid fuel is configured to heat a substrate to a temperature sufficient to rapidly thermally vaporize a drug disposed thereon are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lightweight electro-mechanical chest compression device. The device is provided with a motor, a brake, a drive spool, a control system, and a metal channel beam to brace the device and guide a compression belt. The belt is provided in a belt cartridge that attaches to the channel beam. In use, the belt is secured around the patient and to the drive spool. The motor tightens the belt by turning the drive spool. The electro-mechanical chest compression device weighs less than 30 pounds when fully assembled with its power source.

Abstract: Devices and methods for attaching a belt cartridge to a belt drive platform. A spline attached to the belt is inserted into a slot in the drive spool of the belt drive platform. The cover plate of the belt cartridge fits into a channel beam in the housing of the belt drive platform, thereby securing the cartridge to the housing. Belt guards, for protecting the cartridge, belt drive platform, patient and rescuer, are rotatably attached to the cover plate and are secured around spindles disposed on the sides of the housing.

Abstract: An improved near-infrared quantitative analysis instrument includes a number of removable finger inserts each dimensioned for a different finger size, which facilitates properly aligning and fitting an individual user's finger into the optical system of the analysis instrument taking into account the size of the individual's finger. The insert according to the present invention can be also designed to accommodate samples of various substances for quantitative analyte measurement.

Abstract: An improved near-infrared quantitative analysis instrument is disclosed comprising a removable finger insert which facilitates properly aligning and fitting and individual user's finger into the optical system of the analysis instrument. The finger insert according to the present invention also prevents the analysis instrument's optical system from being damaged by foreign matter typically introduced by a user's finger. The finger insert can also be provided with filters which will enable the insert to be used to as an optical standard for the analysis instrument.