Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) apparatus to supply pressurized breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, a humidifier having a gas inlet coupled to the gas outlet of the flow generator, and a filter operatively positioned between the gas outlet of the flow generator and the gas inlet of the humidifier.

Abstract: An access casing assembly structured for placement at least partially within a subterranean formation by forcing the access casing assembly thereinto, comprising a plurality of casing sections operably coupled to form a central elongated cavity for providing access to the subterranean region is disclosed. Further, a tip portion of the access casing assembly may include a porous filter through which liquid or gas may communicate with the central elongated cavity. Also, a receiving member or at least one engagement hub may form a portion of the central elongated cavity and may include an engagement feature configured for selectively and lockingly engaging a locking structure of a device to be positioned within the access casing assembly. Methods of use are disclosed. A tensiometer is disclosed including a chamber structured for allowing at least partially filling with a fluid subsequent to contact therewith.

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a breathable gas supply apparatus includes a hollow body adapted for partial filling with water to a predetermined maximum water level, a gas inlet to the body above the maximum water level and a gas outlet from the body above the maximum water level. The humidifier further includes a temperature heating element for heating the water and/or an adjustable flow divider adapted to divide the interior of the body above the maximum water level into a relatively dry gas region and a relatively wet gas region. The position of the divider is variable so as to vary the relative proportion of the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet that passes through the relatively dry and relatively wet gas regions to thereby vary the amount of humidification thereof.

Abstract: A sterilizer including a sterilization chamber for receiving articles to be sterilized and a door supported on a horizontal pivot at an access opening of the sterilizer chamber. The door includes a seal plate and a resilient seal member supported on the seal plate wherein the seal member includes an annular lip extending transversely to the plane of the seal plate. The lip extends into the sterilizer chamber wherein pressure within the chamber exerts a force biasing an opposing surface of the lip into engagement with an inner surface of the chamber. The sterilizer door is movable between a fully closed and a fully open position and includes a mechanism for holding the door in a partially open position. In the partially open position, the lip extends into contact with a surface of the sterilizer chamber to thereby form a bridge between the door and chamber and prevent condensation from dripping down away from the chamber and door.

Abstract: A humidifier (24) for use with a breathable gas supply apparatus (20). The humidifier (24) comprises a hollow body (42, 44) adapted for partial filling with water to a predetermined maximum water level, a gas inlet (48) to the body (42, 44) above the maximum water level and a gas outlet (50) from the body (42, 44) above the maximum water level. The humidifier (24) further comprises a constant temperature heating element (30) for heating the water and/or an adjustable flow divider (62) adapted to divide the interior of the body (42, 44) above the maximum water level into a relatively dry gas region (68) and a relatively wet gas region (70). The position of the divider (62) is variable so as to vary the relative proportion of the gas flowing from the inlet (48) to the outlet (50) that passes through the relatively dry (68) and relatively wet (70) gas regions to thereby vary the amount of humidification thereof.

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a breathable gas supply apparatus includes a hollow body adapted for partial filling with water to a predetermined maximum water level, a gas inlet to the body above the maximum water level and a gas outlet from the body above the maximum water level. The humidifier further includes a constant temperature heating element for heating the water and/or an adjustable flow divider adapted to divide the interior of the body above the maximum water level into a relatively dry gas region and a relatively wet gas region. The position of the divider is variable so as to vary the relative proportion of the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet that passes through the relatively dry and relatively wet gas regions to thereby vary the amount of humidification thereof.

Abstract: A composition for administration to the nasal mucosa of a subject comprises a solution of nicotine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent. The composition has a nicotine concentration less than 10 mg/ml. The composition used alone assists in reduction of the desire of a subject to smoke tobacco. It also reduces the nasal symptoms associated with administration of higher concentrations of nicotine to the nasal mucosa.

Abstract: A humidifier (24) for use with a breathable gas supply apparatus (20). The humidifier (24) comprises a hollow body (42, 44) adapted for partial filling with water to a predetermined maximum water level, a gas inlet (48) to the body (42, 44) above the maximum water level and a gas outlet (50) from the body (42, 44) above the maximum water level. The humidifier (24) further comprises a constant temperature heating element (30) for heating the water and/or an adjustable flow divider (62) adapted to divide the interior of the body (42, 44) above the maximum water level into a relatively dry gas region (68) and a relatively wet gas region (70). The position of the divider (62) is variable so as to vary the relative proportion of the gas flowing from the inlet (48) to the outlet (50) that passes through the relatively dry (68) and relatively wet (70) gas regions to thereby vary the amount of humidification thereof.

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a breathable gas supply apparatus includes a hollow body adapted for partial filling with water to a predetermined maximum water level, a gas inlet to the body above the maximum water level and a gas outlet from the body above the maximum water level. The humidifier further includes a constant temperature heating element for heating the water and/or an adjustable flow divider adapted to divide the interior of the body above the maximum water level into a relatively dry gas region and a relatively wet gas region. The position of the divider is variable so as to vary the relative proportion of the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet that passes through the relatively dry and relatively wet gas regions to thereby vary the amount of humidification thereof.

Abstract: A sterilizer including a sterilization chamber for receiving articles to be sterilized and a door supported on a horizontal pivot at an access opening of the sterilizer chamber. The door includes a seal plate and a resilient seal member supported on the seal plate wherein the seal member includes an annular lip extending transversely to the plane of the seal plate. The lip extends into the sterilizer chamber wherein pressure within the chamber exerts a force biasing an opposing surface of the lip into engagement with an inner surface of the chamber. The sterilizer door is movable between a fully closed and a fully open position and includes a mechanism for holding the door in a partially open position. In the partially open position, the lip extends into contact with a surface of the sterilizer chamber to thereby form a bridge between the door and chamber and prevent condensation from dripping down away from the chamber and door.

Abstract: A composition for administration to the nasal mucosa of a subject comprises a solution of nicotine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent. The composition has a nicotine concentration less than 10 mg/ml. The composition used alone assists in reduction of the desire of a subject to smoke tobacco. It also reduces the nasal symptoms associated with administration of higher concentrations of nicotine to the nasal mucosa.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying breathable gas for assisted respiration includes a casing portion having a gas flow path between a gas inlet and a gas outlet, a rotor disposed within the casing portion and in fluid communication with and positioned between the gas inlet and the gas outlet, an electric motor coupled to the rotor, and a sealed inflatable cushion having a base surface structured to support the casing portion and the electric motor thereon. The inflatable cushion is in fluid communication with the gas outlet to thereby at least one of inflate and maintain inflated the inflatable cushion.

Abstract: The mounting arrangement (10) for a fluid displacement device (12) comprises an inflatable cushion device (16) adapted to support the fluid displacement device (12) and in fluid communication with the fluid displacement device (12). A portion of the fluid displaced by the fluid displacement device (12) inflates and/or maintains inflated the cushion device (16).

Abstract: The mounting arrangement (10) for a fluid displacement device (12) comprises an inflatable cushion device (16) adapted to support the fluid displacement device (12) and in fluid communication with the fluid displacement device (12). A portion of the fluid displaced by the fluid displacement device (12) inflates and/or maintains inflated the cushion device (16).

Abstract: A liquid-cooled welding torch assembly for use in robotic welding that includes a body tube with a set of male connectors, the body tube guiding an electrode, and a flow of coolant to a welding tip. A supply cable adapter including a set of female connectors corresponding to the set of male connectors. At least one of the male connectors includes a rigid tube with a plurality of axially compressible and radially expandable sealing members coaxially and slidably disposed about the rigid tube, whereby the plurality of axially compressible and radially expandable sealing members expand to create a seal between the at least one of the male connectors and a corresponding one of the set of female connectors.

Abstract: A cooking medium management system and method from manipulating a cooking medium during cooking operations. The system has a controller generating a lock-out signal and a transfer signal, and selectively generating one control signal selected from the group consisting of a discard signal, a fresh fill signal, a drain signal, a filtration signal, and a polish signal. The system also has a cooking medium transfer pump and a transfer conduit for transferring the cooking medium to and from a frypot, wherein the transfer pump activates in response to the transfer signal. The system further includes a lock-out device, which receives the lock-out signal and disables a fryer heater. Moreover, this system includes a discard device, which receives the discard signal and includes the frypot, the drain pan, a drain valve and a cooking medium drain. The frypot and the drain pan are placed in communication with the transfer conduit via the drain valve.

Abstract: A cooking medium management system and method from manipulating a cooking medium during cooking operations. The system has a controller generating a lock-out signal and a transfer signal, and selectively generating one control signal selected from the group consisting of a discard signal, a fresh fill signal, a drain signal, a filtration signal, and a polish signal. The system also has a cooking medium transfer pump and a transfer conduit for transferring the cooking medium to and from a frypot, wherein the transfer pump activates in response to the transfer signal. The system further includes a lock-out device, which receives the lock-out signal and disables a fryer heater. Moreover, this system includes a discard device, which receives the discard signal and includes the frypot, the drain pan, a drain valve and a cooking medium drain. The frypot and the drain pan are placed in communication with the transfer conduit via the drain valve.

Abstract: An automatic external welder travels on tracks which are attached to the exterior surface of the pipeline and functions to weld together the abutting ends of pipe segments. The automatic welder has a carriage assembly that includes a laser source for producing a laser beam for performing the welding operation at the weld region. The laser source is positioned in a first embodiment to produce a laser beam which is parallel to the axis of the pipe and is reflected for direction to the weld joint. In a second embodiment, the laser source is positioned on the carriage such that the laser beam is directed without deflection to the welding junction. For each embodiment, the laser source is carried by the carriage assembly so that it orbits about the pipeline to produce a complete weld of the abutting pipe ends.