Abstract: Provided are devices for stabilizing a tube (e.g., a drainage tube such as a chest tube) in the body of a subject. The devices can comprise a base (102) configured to be secured to a patient comprising a patient contacting surface (104), an opposing top surface (106), a proximal end (108), a distal end (110), a tube-securing region (112), and a central reference plane (114); and one or more securement features (116, 118, 120) positioned within the tube-securing region. The one or more securement features (116, 118, 120) can be configured to reversibly engage the tube, such that when the tube is engaged by the one or more securement features (116, 118, 120), the tube is retained relative to the base (102).

Abstract: A stabilization device is described that can be utilized to properly align and secure a percutaneous tube such as a chest tube following insertion. The device includes a central passage that is ridged for a tight friction fit with a percutaneous tube, a base that includes features to improve contouring and flexibility of the base with the skin surface of a patient and eyelets for suturing to the skin that include insets for secure placement of the suture. The device can be used without need of adhesive and can hold a percutaneous tube at a comfortable exit angle without placing undue stress upon the sutures holding the device.

Abstract: A controller for optimizing the operation of a turbine to maximize the net present value of the revenue it generates over its lifetime. The controller calculates a plurality of net present values for a plurality of turbine output levels given certain input parameters such as power sale rate, power output level vs. fatigue damage accumulation, etc.; determines a maximum net present value from the plurality of output levels evaluated; and operates the turbine at the output level associated with the maximum net present value.

Abstract: A method of generating an association between an object and a position on a surface, the surface having disposed therein or thereon coded data being at least partially indicative of an identity of the surface and a plurality of locations on the surface, the method including, in a computer system: receiving indicating data from a sensing device, the indicating data being at least partially indicative of the identity of the surface and the position of the sensing device relative to the surface, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the surface, being responsive to sense at least some of the coded data and generate the indicating data using the sensed coded data; identifying, using the indicating data, the identity of the surface, the position and the object; and, generating an association based at least partially on the identity of the surface, the position and the object.