Abstract: A decoder for model train locomotives or rolling stock including: a data input; a sensor, separate from the data input and arranged to receive a first energy signal and transmit a first trigger signal; a memory element configured to store a first address identifying the decoder; and a processor configured to receive first data including a group identity address, receive the first trigger signal; and store the group identity address in the memory element. The sensor is arranged to: receive a second energy signal; and transmit, in response to receiving the second energy signal, a second trigger signal. The processor is configured to: receive the second trigger signal; receive second data including the first address and first operating instructions, associated with the first address, for a device for a model train locomotive or rolling stock; and transmit the first operating instructions. The group identity address identifies a group of decoders.

Abstract: A system for monitoring body functions from patients at remote locations that includes an event monitor attached to the patient including sensors attached to relevant parts of the patient for monitoring body functions. The system also includes a central monitoring station including a server having a memory attached thereto; and, a communication link between the event monitor and the central monitoring station. The method of this invention includes the steps of sensing the monitored body function by means of sensors attached to the patient. If any irregularities are detected, data indicative of the monitored body function is recorded and is automatically transmitted to the central monitoring station. The patient is located by means of GPS data; and a physician and the nearest hospital are notified. An attending physician may log onto the central monitoring station and observe real-time data received from the patient.

Abstract: An improved trauma cervical collar for supporting a patient's neck that is adjustable to the patient's neck size in the anterior to posterior and medial to lateral and cephalad to caudal planes. The collar includes a pair of semi-elliptical shaped side members. Each side member includes buckles for attaching securing straps. An occipital securing strap supports the back of the patient's head and has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. A back rest securing strap has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. A mandible securing strap for support of the patient's chin has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. A chest securing strap has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. The buckles are spring-loaded to quickly attach to and hold the straps at various lengths as required.

Abstract: A tape for use in closing a tissue opening including a substrate and a plurality of sutures sewn directly into the substrate. The tape may have serrated edges in order to facilitate closure of a nonlinear tissue opening. Moreover, the tape may include windows in order to facilitate viewing of the tissue opening during closure and wound healing thereof. The sutures may be sewn laterally across the tape or not, and they may be imbedded individually into each side of the substrate, or they may be disposed under bridges between the windows in the substrate. The tape may have an adhesive affixed to one side thereof. Also disclosed is a method for closing a tissue opening by first cleaning the tissue; applying a layer of adhesive to the tissue adjacent to the opening; applying the tape over the opening; and, then tying each of the sutures together in order to pull the opening in the tissue closed.

Abstract: A disposal ECG Chest Electrode Template with built-in defibrillation electrodes has a location tab so that the template can be easily, quickly and correctly placed on the patient's chest during emergency situations. The template and its electrodes is transparent to x-ray allowing it to remain on the patient's chest throughout x-ray diagnosis and evaluation for so long as monitoring of the heart's electrical activity is required. The template carries ten electrodes, the standard six precardial electrodes and four limb electrodes. A pair of defibrillation electrodes are incorporated into the template are also correctly located on the patient when the template is placed on the chest by its location tab.

Abstract: An improved trauma cervical collar for supporting a patient's neck that is adjustable to the patient's neck size in the anterior to posterior and medial to lateral and cephalad to caudal planes. The collar includes a pair of semi-elliptical shaped side members. Each side member includes buckles for attaching securing straps. An occipital securing strap supports the back of the patient's head and has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. A back rest securing strap has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. A mandible securing strap for support of the patient's chin has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. A chest securing strap has two ends for attachment to the buckles, one on each of the side members. The buckles are spring-loaded to quickly attach to and hold the straps at various lengths as required.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube-holder for positioning a tube within a patient's trachea that includes a chin piece shaped to the curvature of the patient's chin and a pair of straps attached to openings in the chin piece for securing the tube-holder in place on the patient. An extension is attached to the chin piece extending perpendicular to and away from the patient's face. The extension includes a vertical member located at the end of the extension opposite the patient and at a fixed distance from the lips of the patient. The vertical member is split into two parts which have mating surfaces shaped for receiving and holding the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A system for monitoring body functions from patients at remote locations that includes an event monitor attached to the patient including sensors attached to relevant parts of the patient for monitoring body functions. The system also includes a central monitoring station including a server having a memory attached thereto; and, a communication link between the event monitor and the central monitoring station. The method of this invention includes the steps of sensing the monitored body function by means of sensors attached to the patient. If any irregularities are detected, data indicative of the monitored body function is recorded and is automatically transmitted to the central monitoring station. The patient is located by means of GPS data; and a physician and the nearest hospital are notified. An attending physician may log onto the central monitoring station and observe real-time data received from the patient.

Abstract: A tape for use in closing a tissue opening including a substrate and a plurality of sutures sewn directly into the substrate. The tape may have serrated edges in order to facilitate closure of a nonlinear tissue opening. Moreover, the tape may include windows in order to facilitate viewing of the tissue opening during closure and wound healing thereof. The sutures may be sewn laterally across the tape or not, and they may be imbedded individually into each side of the substrate, or they may be disposed under bridges between the windows in the substrate. The tape may have an adhesive affixed to one side thereof. Also disclosed is a method for closing a tissue opening by first cleaning the tissue; applying a layer of adhesive to the tissue adjacent to the opening; applying the tape over the opening; and, then tying each of the sutures together in order to pull the opening in the tissue closed.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube-holder for positioning a tube within a patient's trachea that includes a chin piece shaped to the curvature of the patient's chin and a pair of straps attached to openings in the chin piece for securing the tube-holder in place on the patient. An extension is attached to the chin piece extending perpendicular to and away from the patient's face. The extension includes a vertical member located at the end of the extension opposite the patient and at a fixed distance from the lips of the patient. The vertical member is split into two parts which have mating surfaces shaped for receiving and holding the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A disposal ECG Chest Electrode Template with built-in defibrillation electrodes has a location tab so that the template can be easily, quickly and correctly placed on the patient's chest during emergency situations. The template and its electrodes is transparent to x-ray allowing it to remain on the patient's chest throughout x-ray diagnosis and evaluation for so long as monitoring of the heart's electrical activity is required. The template carries ten electrodes, the standard six precardial electrodes and four limb electrodes. A pair of defibrillation electrodes are incorporated into the template are also correctly located on the patient when the template is placed on the chest by its location tab.