Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently managing bulk material are provided. The disclosure is directed to a portable support structure used to receive one or more portable containers of bulk material and output bulk material from the containers directly into the blender hopper. The portable support structure may include a frame for receiving and holding the one or more portable bulk material containers in an elevated position proximate the blender hopper, as well as one or more gravity feed outlets for routing the bulk material from the containers directly into the blender hopper. In some embodiments, the portable support structure may be transported to the well site on a trailer, unloaded from the trailer, and positioned proximate the blender unit. In other embodiments, the portable support structure may be a mobile support structure that is integrated into a trailer unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing respiratory therapy with varying flow rates are disclosed. A system comprises a source of breathing gas, a patient interface, and a flow control device. The flow control device is configured to automatically change a rate of the flow of breathing gas. The flow control device may vary the rate of the flow of breathing gas at a frequency slower than a frequency of breathing of the patient. A method comprises coupling a patient interface to the patient, providing the flow of breathing gas to an inlet port of the patient interface, and automatically changing a rate of the flow of breathing gas with a flow control device in communication with the flow of breathing gas. The method may also comprise varying the rate of the flow of breathing gas at a frequency slower than a frequency of breathing of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting cables, lines, and/or hoses that connect a moored boat to shore-based services includes a flexible rod and at least one guide. The flexible mod is mountable to a shore anchor, and the at least one guide is attached to the flexible rod. The at least one guide retains the at least one cable so that the at least one cable extends substantially parallel to the flexible rod.

Abstract: An unattended-vehicle engine-idling system controls a vehicle powertrain in a non-motive mode with the engine running. An ignition switch operables with a removable ignition key. A control circuit has multiple states including a PREARMED state which is entered when the powertrain is in the motive mode and the user generates a manual activation signal. An ARMED state is entered when the transmission is in Park and holds an ignition switch status signal at RUN. An ACTIVE state is entered when the ignition switch is moved to the Accessory or Off positions or the key is removed. The powertrain is switched to non-motive mode and the switch status signal stays at RUN. A DISARMED state is entered in response to a manual deactivation signal generated independently of the ignition switch. In the DISARMED state, the ignition switch status signal corresponds with the ignition switch position, thereby turning off the engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing respiratory therapy with varying flow rates are disclosed. A system comprises a source of breathing gas, a patient interface, and a flow control device. The flow control device is configured to automatically change a rate of the flow of breathing gas. The flow control device may vary the rate of the flow of breathing gas at a frequency slower than a frequency of breathing of the patient. A method comprises coupling a patient interface to the patient, providing the flow of breathing gas to an inlet port of the patient interface, and automatically changing a rate of the flow of breathing gas with a flow control device in communication with the flow of breathing gas. The method may also comprise varying the rate of the flow of breathing gas at a frequency slower than a frequency of breathing of the patient.

Abstract: Restricted operating modes are provided for a motor vehicle when driven by a secondary driver (such as a less experienced driver). A seat occupancy sensor detects the presence of at least one rear seat passenger. A controller includes a memory storing rules defining a restricted operating mode containing a plurality of limitations to be applied to operation of various vehicle accessories in conjunction with the secondary driver. The controller selectively controls the operation of at least one of the accessories according to one of the rules in response to simultaneously detecting the secondary driver and the presence of at least one rear seat passenger. Use of the rules may also depend on whether the rear seat passenger has an unbuckled seat belt.

Abstract: Restricted operating modes are provided for a motor vehicle when driven by a secondary driver (such as a less experienced driver). A seat occupancy sensor detects the presence of at least one rear seat passenger. A controller includes a memory storing rules defining a restricted operating mode containing a plurality of limitations to be applied to operation of various vehicle accessories in conjunction with the secondary driver. The controller selectively controls the operation of at least one of the accessories according to one of the rules in response to simultaneously detecting the secondary driver and the presence of at least one rear seat passenger. Use of the rules may also depend on whether the rear seat passenger has an unbuckled seat belt.

Abstract: A system for unilateral lung ventilation includes an endotracheal tube and a blocking device for blocking the bronchus of a non-ventilated lung to prevent a ventilation medium from entering the lung. The blocking device includes an inflatable member supported by a catheter having an inflation lumen for inflating the inflatable member. The catheter includes at least one lung treatment lumen for delivering a therapeutic agent to the non-ventilated lung. An inner channel within the main channel and a side branch provide a guideway for the blocking device within the tube. A valve may be included to close the side branch when the blocking device is removed from the inner channel for parallel flow of ventilating gas in the main and inner channels. A method of using the system provides for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) matching by respectively delivering cooled air and nitric oxide to the non-ventilated and ventilated lungs.

Abstract: An alignment device and method is provided. Higher precision is achieved when fixing an orientation of an insertion axis using alignment devices shown. A symmetric clamping force is provided that reduces or eliminates unwanted displacement after the desired orientation is obtained. Another feature includes increased flexibility to use a variety of primary medical devices. Another feature includes a standoff feature that reduces tissue damage. Another feature includes an orienting fixture for image guided procedures.

Abstract: An adjustable neonatal airway stent for use in the airways of a neonate is provided. The stent may include a flexible mesh member having a generally cylindrical shape and size that is capable of being delivered to a neonatal airway. The mesh member may include overlapping inner and outer portions, where the inner portion is adjacent to an inner edge of the flexible mesh. Further, the stent may include a plurality of locking projections that extend outwardly from the inner portion and are capable of engaging the mesh of the overlapping outer portion to prevent contraction of the stent, while allowing expansion of the stent to at least one diameter when implanted in a neonatal airway. The projections may include angularly extending tips, and the stent may be expandable to a second diameter greater than the first diameter in situ.

Abstract: A method for maintaining homeostasis for a patient in a health care setting includes the steps of monitoring a physiological parameter and comparing the parameter against an expected parameter range. When it is determined that a difference between the monitored physiological parameter and the expected parameter range presents a patient condition requiring a corrective measure, an alarm warning is presented. The alarm warning has a signature characteristic distinguishing it from other alarm warnings. The alarm warning may be musical and distinguishable based on genre, tempo, loudness, or pitch or, alternatively may be visual. The alarm warning may be adapted to distinguish one patient from other patients. Alternatively, the alarm warning may distinguish differing levels of severity associated with a patient condition of a particular patient or to distinguish between multiple conditions suffered by the same patient.

Abstract: A system for unilateral lung ventilation includes an endotracheal tube and a blocking device for blocking the bronchus of a non-ventilated lung to prevent a ventilation medium from entering the lung. The blocking device includes an inflatable member supported by a catheter having an inflation lumen for inflating the inflatable member. The catheter includes at least one lung treatment lumen for delivering a therapeutic agent to the non-ventilated lung. An inner channel within the main channel and a side branch provide a guideway for the blocking device within the tube. A valve may be included to close the side branch when the blocking device is removed from the inner channel for parallel flow of ventilating gas in the main and inner channels. A method of using the system provides for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) matching by respectively delivering cooled air and nitric oxide to the non-ventilated and ventilated lungs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an oven, and in particular, a microwave oven, having an oven cavity, two doors disposed on opposite sides of the oven cavity, and a conveyor belt passing through the oven cavity and the two doors. The two doors are preferably mechanical in design and may be operated simultaneously or in sequence. The two doors may be independently interlocked and also interlocked with each other to prevent operation of the microwave oven when either door is in an opened position. Each door may be mounted in slide rails disposed along the side of the oven cavity. The opening and closing of the two doors are preferably controlled by a programmable logic center.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an oven, and in particular, a microwave oven, having an oven cavity, two doors disposed on opposite sides of the oven cavity, and a conveyor belt passing through the oven cavity and the two doors. The two doors are preferably mechanical in design and may be operated simultaneously or in sequence. The two doors may be independently interlocked and also interlocked with each other to prevent operation of the microwave oven when either door is in an opened position. Each door may be mounted in slide rails disposed along the side of the oven cavity. The opening and closing of the two doors are preferably controlled by a programmable logic center.

Abstract: A microwave apparatus includes a coaxial feed connected to a microwave waveguide and extended into a rotating antenna applicator in a microwave cavity, wherein a gap between the ceiling of the microwave cavity and the top of the rotating antenna applicator as well as between the coaxial feed and the rotating antenna applicator is present to facilitate the rotation of the antenna applicator. The presence of these gaps permit radial leakage, uncontrolled excitation of modes and occasional arcing. An annular knob is provided proximate the coaxial feed and attached to the top of the rotating antenna applicator to suppress radial leakage, uncontrolled excitations and arcing in the microwave cavity.

Abstract: The inventive pressure die holder is comprised of an elongate hollow steel cylinder which receives a series of dies in an interior cavity. The dies are maintained within the cavity by means of a cap which is attached to one end of the pressure die holder. The inventive pressure die holder is provided with two sets of vents which relieve lubricant pressure within the pressure die holder. The first set of vents are located in mid portion of the body of the pressure die holder in alignment with the dies. The first set of vents reduce pressure between the die pair, allowing the lubricant to flow through the die at a cooler temperature. The second set of vents are located in the body of the pressure die holder adjacent the cap, and allow the cap to be removed from the pressure die holder at the end of the drawing operation.

Abstract: A microwave oven comprises a cabinet and a door attached to the cabinet to form a food processing chamber. The door has a screen, an absorbing film, and a frame. The screen reflects microwave energy away from the absorbing film, the screen has a plurality of screen lines and a plurality of screen openings defined by the plurality of screen lines, and the screen has a screen period. The absorbing film absorbs microwave energy passing through the screen. The frame supports the screen and the absorbing film in order to form a window through the door and to maintain leakage of microwave energy through the door from the food processing chamber below a predetermined level. The frame supports the screen and the absorbing film so that the screen and the absorbing film are separated by a distance which is as least as great as the screen period, and the screen and the absorbing film are electrically attached to the frame.

Abstract: An orthogonal electromagnetic seal for an oven that heats items through the use of microwave energy is set forth. The oven has a cavity in which the items are to be placed, an opening to the cavity, and peripheral surfaces that surround the opening to the cavity. One of the peripheral surfaces is orthogonal to the other peripheral surfaces. The electromagnetic seal includes a choke panel, a plurality of tabs, and a choke ring. The choke panel is aligned with and has generally the same shape as the opening. The plurality of tabs extend from a periphery of the choke panel. A first set of the plurality of tabs is generally parallel to the orthogonal peripheral surface. The remaining tabs are parallel with the other peripheral surfaces. Each of the plurality of tabs is positioned between the associated peripheral surface and the choke ring. A choke cavity adjacent to each peripheral surface is defined by the choke ring, the choke panel, and the adjacent peripheral surface.

Abstract: A helmet carrying and hanger assembly is provided includingan elongated rod having a pair of ends. A plurality of helmet coupling mechanisms are provided for mounting the helmets to the elongated rod. A handle is coupled to the rod for carrying purposes. Finally, a mounting assembly is included for mounting the elongated rod to a fence.

Abstract: A humidifier system includes a spray apparatus in a housing which sprays a mist of water droplets onto a mist eliminator to intercept the mist of water droplets. The mist of droplets is captured in a liquid phase by the mist eliminator and is substantially completely converted into a vapor phase in the form of increased humidity in the air stream. A humidity sensor located downstream of the mist eliminator senses the humidity of the stream of air. A controller controls the quantity of water sprayed in response to the humidity sensed to maintain a predetermined humidity in the humidified stream of air. A second humidifier includes a heater which creates a region of intense heat to instantaneously evaporate water mist directed thereon in a stream of air. In a third embodiment, water and pressurized air are simultaneously injected into a region of intense heat.