Abstract: An integrated and complete dressing for the care and treatment of traumatic amputations and wounds. The traumatic amputation and wound dressing includes an oversized wound pad, an elastic bandage, and fasteners in an integrated unit for quickly and effectively treating an amputation. The elastic bandage may be attached to the wound pad such that the bandage forms an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to a vertical axis of the wound pad. The wound pad can be readily folded over an amputation and quickly wrapped with the elastic bandage. The fasteners may be attached to the periphery of the wound pad. When the dressing is applied to a stump of an amputated limb and the fasteners are engaged, the wound pad is relatively securely held in position and downward pressure is exerted on the stump. In some embodiments, the elastic bandage may also include brakes designed to prevent the bandage from unintentionally unraveling. The brakes also facilitate application of the dressing to the stump.

Abstract: An integrated wound dressing system and method including a bandage and a self-contained receptacle that stores treatment material for the care and treatment of wounds. The treatment material is easily accessible and can be removed from the receptacle through an exit. The treatment material can then be used to control bleeding and/or clean the wound before dressing. The bandage may include a layer of plastic that acts as an occlusion barrier to reduce heat loss and maintain moisture levels at the wound site. The occlusion barrier also acts to prevent the passage of air into or out of the wound site. The bandage also includes fasteners that act to prevent unintentional unraveling and to secure the bandage during final packaging. These fasteners help facilitate the wrapping of amputations, stumps, and extremities. The integrated wound dressing system provides an all-in-one system for treating and dressing wounds and reduces the time required to do so.

Abstract: A universal power distribution system is provided for routing electrical circuits within a building structure to comprehensively provide electrical power to the building in ceiling configurations, wall-mounted configurations, raised floor configurations and in office furniture configurations. The system components for all of these configurations have common plug connectors that are engagable with each other so as to be readily usable in a wide variety of applications. The system is readily adaptable to form virtually any conventional circuit configuration found within conventional hard-wired systems yet is formed simply through the routing of the cables through the building cavities and interconnection is accomplished merely by plugging components together rather than through labor-intensive manual wiring.

Abstract: A flexible, portable light-weight drag litter is disclosed capable of being compactly rolled for transportation and storage, having a generally planar base dimensioned to underlie a reclining individual's head, torso, legs, and feet. A torso harness is attached to the base along with groin and leg connectors are attached to the base. A dragline is attached to a head end portion of the base. When a user tugs on the dragline, the base creates a concave surface that supports and protects the patient's head.

Abstract: Polyaromatic sodium channel blockers represented by the formula: are provided where the structural variables are defined herein. The invention also includes a variety of compositions, combinations and methods of treatment using these inventive sodium channel blockers.

Abstract: A universal power distribution system is provided for routing electrical circuits within a building structure to comprehensively provide electrical power to the building in ceiling configurations, wall-mounted configurations, raised floor configurations and in office furniture configurations. The system components for all of these configurations have common plug connectors that are engagable with each other so as to be readily usable in a wide variety of applications. The system is readily adaptable to form virtually any conventional circuit configuration found within conventional hard-wired systems yet is formed simply through the routing of the cables through the building cavities and interconnection is accomplished merely by plugging components together rather than through labor-intensive manual wiring.

Abstract: A universal power distribution system is provided for routing electrical circuits within a building structure to comprehensively provide electrical power to the building in ceiling configurations, wall-mounted configurations, raised floor configurations and in office furniture configurations. The system components for all of these configurations have common plug connectors that are engagable with each other so as to be readily usable in a wide variety of applications. The system is readily adaptable to form virtually any conventional circuit configuration found within conventional hard-wired systems yet is formed simply through the routing of the cables through the building cavities and interconnection is accomplished merely by plugging components together rather than through labor-intensive manual wiring.

Abstract: The invention described herein is directed to method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, comprising administering an effective amount of an osmolyte by at least one nasal cannula to a subject in need thereof. Also provided is a nasal cannula system for delivering an osmolyte, comprising a nebulizer and tubing having two ends, where the first end of the tubing is connected to the nebulizer and the second end of the tubing is tapered to fit in the nostril of a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating diseases ameliorated by increased mucociliary clearance and mucosal hydration by administering an effective amount of a sodium channel blocker as defined herein and an osmolyte to a subject to a subject in need of increased mucociliary clearance and mucosal hydration.

Abstract: A universal power distribution system is provided for routing electrical circuits within a building structure to comprehensively provide electrical power to the building in ceiling configurations, wall-mounted configurations, raised floor configurations and in office furniture configurations. The system components for all of these configurations have common plug connectors that are engagable with each other so as to be readily usable in a wide variety of applications. The system is readily adaptable to form virtually any conventional circuit configuration found within conventional hard-wired systems yet is formed simply through the routing of the cables through the building cavities and interconnection is accomplished merely by plugging components together rather than through labor-intensive manual wiring.

Abstract: A universal power distribution system is provided for routing electrical circuits within a building structure to comprehensively provide electrical power to the building in ceiling configurations, wall-mounted configurations, raised floor configurations and in office furniture configurations. The system components for all of these configurations have common plug connectors that are engagable with each other so as to be readily usable in a wide variety of applications. The system is readily adaptable to form virtually any conventional circuit configuration found within conventional hard-wired systems yet is formed simply through the routing of the cables through the building cavities and interconnection is accomplished merely by plugging components together rather than through labor-intensive manual wiring.

Abstract: A rule based computerised method is disclosed of developing and/or implementing and/or administering rule based systems such as legislation and/or policy and/or other rule sets, the method including:—developing a computerised database containing a set of rules in accordance with which the rule based system can be developed, written in and delivered; wherein the rules are:—written in natural spoken language to express the individual grammatical units constituting the rules, constrained in being written in accordance with defined constraints to limit the number of logical formats in which the rules can be expressed, and explicit in being written in a manner to avoid implicit meanings; whereby the rules are expressed in a logical format readily understandable to both humans and computers.

Abstract: An integrated and complete dressing for the care and treatment of traumatic amputations and wounds. The traumatic amputation and wound dressing includes an oversized wound pad, an elastic bandage, and fasteners in an integrated unit for quickly and effectively treating an amputation. The elastic bandage may be attached to the wound pad such that the bandage forms an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to a vertical axis of the wound pad. The wound pad can be readily folded over an amputation and quickly wrapped with the elastic bandage. The fasteners may be attached to the periphery of the wound pad. When the dressing is applied to a stump of an amputated limb and the fasteners are engaged, the wound pad is relatively securely held in position and downward pressure is exerted on the stump. In some embodiments, the elastic bandage may also include brakes designed to prevent the bandage from unintentionally unraveling. The brakes also facilitate application of the dressing to the stump.

Abstract: An integrated wound dressing system and method including a bandage and a self-contained receptacle that stores treatment material for the care and treatment of wounds. The treatment material is easily accessible and can be removed from the receptacle through an exit. The treatment material can then be used to control bleeding and/or clean the wound before dressing. The bandage may include a layer of plastic that acts as an occlusion barrier to reduce heat loss and maintain moisture levels at the wound site. The occlusion barrier also acts to prevent the passage of air into or out of the wound site. The bandage also includes fasteners that act to prevent unintentional unraveling and to secure the bandage during final packaging. These fasteners help facilitate the wrapping of amputations, stumps, and extremities. The integrated wound dressing system provides an all-in-one system for treating and dressing wounds and reduces the time required to do so.

Abstract: A combined bandage and fastener system includes a flexible bandage having a first end and a second end; at least one end brake attached to a surface of said flexible bandage and disposed proximate to the first end; and a plurality of brakes attached to at least one surface of the flexible bandage between the first end and the second end of the bandage. Each brake includes a strip of a dense arrangement of hooks.

Abstract: A sonic drilling apparatus having a work piston within a cylinder chamber to provide a vibratory force through the alternate application of fluid under pressure into the bore above and below the piston in a manner that the piston will be forced to reciprocate within the bore. The cylinder chamber includes an inlet gallery to allow fluid under pressure to pass into the bore above a first face of the work piston and an exhaust gallery to allow fluid to escape from the bore below the second face of the work piston. A relief bypass is provided to prevent excessive build up of pressure in the bore during the reciprocating movement of the work piston.

Abstract: A modular multi-component power distribution system is provided having a plurality of modular components which includes a bus-bar-like power distribution assembly (PDA), branching connectors, flex connectors, and receptacles. A manufacturing process relates to the manufacture of extruded power distribution assemblies and the insertion of multiple, lengths of conductor wire along the longitudinal length thereof. In such PDA's, multiple parallel bores are formed interiorly of the PDA casing or housing wherein such conductors are not inserted into the bores until after the PDA extrusions are cut to length and plug ports are formed therein.

Abstract: A modular multi-component power distribution system is provided having a plurality of modular components which includes a bus-bar-like power distribution assembly (PDA), branching connectors, flex connectors, and receptacles. A manufacturing process relates to the manufacture of the flex connectors which have plugs provided on the opposite ends of an intermediate cable section. The intermediate cable section includes multiple conductor wires having opposite ends projecting outwardly of an outer insulative cover or jacket. The plugs are attached to the opposite ends of the cable wherein each plug includes an outer housing and cover, as well as a plurality of multi-prong quad-point electrical terminals. Each terminal is connected to a respective wire and then fitted into an appropriate socket therefore.

Abstract: A modular multi-component power distribution system is provided having a plurality of modular components which are configurable into a bus-bar based system, a flexible cable base system and a hybrid configuration wherein the bus-bar and flexible cable components are interconnected together. The components allow for configuration of the power distribution system into a variety of office systems including wall panel systems, desking or freestanding furniture systems and raised flooring systems either individually or in various combinations. The system components include a bus-bar-like power distribution assembly (PDA), branching connectors, flex connectors, which are useable to join power distribution assemblies together, and receptacles which are plugable into either the power distribution assembly, the branching connectors or the flex connectors.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling system that can be easily transported and set up quickly in indoor or outdoor environments to provide effective cooling to a sizable area in a short time period. The system can be operated from standard AC household electrical power, or from a 12-volt DC power source, such as a car or marine battery. The system water tank can be filled with water, or connected to a water source for continual refilling. The system can also be used with a light-weight water source, holding approximately 2 liters of water for temporary cooling, or without water to move large volumes of air.