Abstract: A headgear system and/or an interface assembly incorporating a headgear system that, in some configurations, is configured to transform from elasticated or “stretchy” behavior to “inelastic” behavior at least in response to normal or expected forces encountered during the intended therapy. In some configurations, upon fitment to the head of a user, the system automatically adjusts toward or to an appropriate size. A headgear portion or assembly for use in combination with a breathing apparatus in some configurations is at least substantially inelastic and is three dimensional in shape. The headgear portion or assembly can comprise a plastic core and a textile casing. The headgear, or part thereof, may also have integrally moulded labels, connectors, adjustment mechanisms and/or grips.

Abstract: A respiratory mask system is provided. The respiratory mask system has a patient interface that is secured to a user's head by a headgear. The patient interface comprises a seal, a frame and a gas delivery conduit. The frame is configured to secure the seal and gas delivery conduit together. The frame comprises a recessed channel and/or headgear retaining features configured to connect the headgear to the patient interface. The frame can include an inlet collar that connects to a gas delivery conduit. The inlet collar can include bias flow holes. The headgear comprises a top strap, a pair of side arms, a yoke and a rear strap. The yoke is configured to connect to the recessed channel of the frame. The top strap, side arms and yoke form an integrally formed closed loop. The top strap can include two portions adjustably connected to each other.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus comprises a base, a patient support deck, a wheel assembly, and a braking system. The wheel assembly includes a wheel and a braking mechanism. The braking system includes a linkage assembly, a manual actuator, and an electrical braking assembly. The linkage assembly is arranged to place the braking mechanism in a braked state and a released state. The manual actuator moves the linkage assembly manually to place the braking mechanism in the braked state and the released state. The electrical braking assembly includes a driving assembly that moves to a first position and to a second positing that causes the linkage assembly to place the braking mechanism in the braked state and the released state. The linkage assembly is movable relative to the driving assembly to enable the braking mechanism to be manually actuated with the manual actuator.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is provided and includes a housing having an actuator; an elongated member extending from the housing; an end effector disposed on an end of the elongated member, the end effector having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw having a staple cartridge and the second jaw having a plurality of staple forming recesses; the staple cartridge having at least a first segment and a second segment, the first segment and the second segment each having a tissue contacting surface and staple receiving slots defined in the tissue contacting surface, the first segment and the second segment being biased toward the second jaw and movable; a biasing members for each of the first segment and the second segment; and a pressure sensor for each of the first segment and the second segment.

Abstract: A headgear system and/or an interface assembly incorporating a headgear system that, in some configurations, is configured to transform from elasticated or “stretchy” behavior to “inelastic” behavior at least in response to normal or expected forces encountered during the intended therapy. In some configurations, upon fitment to the head of a user, the system automatically adjusts toward or to an appropriate size. A headgear portion or assembly for use in combination with a breathing apparatus in some configurations is at least substantially inelastic and is three dimensional in shape. The headgear portion or assembly can comprise a plastic core and a textile casing. The headgear, or part thereof, may also have integrally moulded labels, connectors, adjustment mechanisms and/or grips.

Abstract: A mycelium growth bed for growing a solid substrate-bound mycelium through which the mycelium composite is easily and readily removed. This is achieved through the use of a perforation layer embedded between the mycelium substrate and the mycelium composite so as to create a uniform structural weakness and thereby enhancing harvesting abilities of the ex-substrate mycelium via a greatly reduced and uniform tear strength. The perforation layer, through which the mycelium grows, allows for the gated and controlled extrusion of a matrix of colonial cells that may be easily and uniformly delaminated from the underlying mycelium substrate.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus comprises a base, a patient support deck, a wheel assembly, and a braking system. The wheel assembly includes a wheel and a braking mechanism. The braking system includes a linkage assembly, a manual actuator, and an electrical braking assembly. The linkage assembly is arranged to place the braking mechanism in a braked state and a released state. The manual actuator moves the linkage assembly manually to place the braking mechanism in the braked state and the released state. The electrical braking assembly includes a driving assembly that moves to a first position and to a second positing that causes the linkage assembly to place the braking mechanism in the braked state and the released state. The linkage assembly is movable relative to the driving assembly to enable the braking mechanism to be manually actuated with the manual actuator.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame supporting a surface for a patient to lie on and an X-ray cassette mover coupled to the frame under the surface of the patient and adapted to receive an X-ray cassette. The patient support apparatus also includes one or more sensors located along the frame to sense a position of the patient on the surface and a controller in communication with the sensors and the X-ray cassette to determine the position of the patient on the surface and to position the X-ray cassette mover relative to the patient. The X-ray cassette mover provides a direct reference to the position of the X-ray cassette under the surface of the patient.

Abstract: Systems for facilitating movement of a patient transport apparatus are provided and include user input control device that includes a mode switch selectable between a longitudinal transport mode and a multidirectional mode and a driving assist device actuatable between at least one engaged state and a non-engaged state. The mode switch generates signals based on the selected mode and the driving assist device generates engaged or non-engaged signals which are received by a controller. The controller is configured to generate an output signal sent to a lift actuator, swivel actuator, and/or a powered drive system to assist a user in propelling the apparatus in a desired manner.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a package includes: connecting an electronic component with a carrier by a clip having at least one locking recess; partially encapsulating the clip by an encapsulant so that at least part of a main surface of the clip remains partially exposed with respect to the encapsulant; and locking the encapsulant and the clip by accommodating material of the encapsulant in the at least one locking recess.

Abstract: Systems for facilitating movement of a patient transport apparatus are provided and include user input control device that includes a mode switch selectable between a longitudinal transport mode and a multidirectional mode and a driving assist device actuatable between at least one engaged state and a non-engaged state. The mode switch generates signals based on the selected mode and the driving assist device generates engaged or non-engaged signals which are received by a controller. The controller is configured to generate an output signal sent to a lift actuator, swivel actuator, and/or a powered drive system to assist a user in propelling the apparatus in a desired manner.

Abstract: A thermal transfer device for providing thermal treatment to a patient. A patient support portion supporting and contacting the patient includes a first segment of a fluid flow path to receive a fluid from a fluid source. A flexible covering coupled and movable relative to the patient support portion defines a space therebetween that substantially conforms to the patient. The flexible covering includes a second segment of the fluid flow path. The fluid is circulated through an inlet, an outlet, and fluid flow path for supplying heat to or removing heat from the patient support portion and the flexible covering. A fluid circulation system with a controller may selectively adjust heat transfer from temperature zones defining the patient support portion. The thermal transfer device or a mattress cover may provide for controlling the microclimate, or conditions at or near the interface between the patient and the patient support portion.

Abstract: A clip for connecting an electronic component with a carrier in a package is provided. The clip includes a clip body having a component connection portion configured to be connected with the electronic component to be mounted on the carrier, and a carrier connection portion configured to be connected with the carrier. The clip further includes at least one locking recess in a surface portion of the clip body, the surface portion being configured to face the carrier. The at least one locking recess is configured to accommodate material of an encapsulant of the package so as to lock the encapsulant and the clip. A corresponding method of manufacturing the package is also provided.

Abstract: A patient support system is provided for use on a litter of a patient support apparatus. The patient support system includes an expandable patient support and a control assembly connectable to the expandable patient support. The control assembly includes an inflator and a controller configured to provide pressure in one or more inner bladders at a first value when the expandable patient support is at a first width and reduce the pressure in the one or more inner bladders to a second value, lower than the first value, in response to inflating one or more outer bladders to expand the expandable patient support to a second width.

Abstract: A support apparatus for a person includes a main cushion having a bottom surface, a top surface to form a support surface for a person supported on the main cushion, and a length having a perimeter that has longitudinal and lateral sides extending around the perimeter. In addition, the support apparatus has at least one sleeve located along one of the sides of the man cushion. The sleeve is configured between a stowed state, where the sleeve is closely adjacent to the one side, and a deployed state, where the sleeve forms an extension of the top surface of the main cushion to thereby increase the width or the length of the support surface.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein utilize a beam-forming system configured to convert a Gaussian laser beam into an annular vortex laser beam having a relatively large depth of focus, which enables the processing of thick or stacked glass-based objects annular laser beam is defined in part by a topological charge m that defines an amount of rotation of the annular vortex beam around its central axis as it propagates annular vortex beam is used to form micro-holes in a glass-based object using either a one-step or a two-step method micro-holes formed by either process can be in the form of recesses or through-holes, depending on the application size of the micro-holes can be controlled by controlling the size of the annular vortex beam over the depth of focus range.

Abstract: A support apparatus for a person includes a main cushion having a bottom surface, a top surface to form a support surface for a person supported on the main cushion, and a length having a perimeter that has longitudinal and lateral sides extending around the perimeter. In addition, the support apparatus has at least one sleeve located along one of the sides of the man cushion. The sleeve is configured between a stowed state, where the sleeve is closely adjacent to the one side, and a deployed state, where the sleeve forms an extension of the top surface of the main cushion to thereby increase the width or the length of the support surface.

Abstract: Systems for facilitating movement of a patient transport apparatus are provided and include user input control device that includes a mode switch selectable between a longitudinal transport mode and a multidirectional mode and a driving assist device actuatable between at least one engaged state and a non-engaged state. The mode switch generates signals based on the selected mode and the driving assist device generates engaged or non-engaged signals which are received by a controller. The controller is configured to generate an output signal sent to a lift actuator, swivel actuator, and/or a powered drive system to assist a user in propelling the apparatus in a desired manner.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame supporting a surface for a patient to lie on and an X-ray cassette mover coupled to the frame under the surface of the patient and adapted to receive an X-ray cassette. The patient support apparatus also includes one or more sensors located along the frame to sense a position of the patient on the surface and a controller in communication with the sensors and the X-ray cassette to determine the position of the patient on the surface and to position the X-ray cassette mover relative to the patient. The X-ray cassette mover provides a direct reference to the position of the X-ray cassette under the surface of the patient.

Abstract: Systems for facilitating movement of a patient transport apparatus are provided and include user input control device that includes a mode switch selectable between a longitudinal transport mode and a multidirectional mode and a driving assist device actuatable between at least one engaged state and a non-engaged state. The mode switch generates signals based on the selected mode and the driving assist device generates engaged or non-engaged signals which are received by a controller. The controller is configured to generate an output signal sent to a lift actuator, swivel actuator, and/or a powered drive system to assist a user in propelling the apparatus in a desired manner.