Abstract: A method for delivering energy as a function of degree coupling may utilize an external unit configured for location external to a body of a subject and at least one processor associated with the implant unit and configured for electrical communication with a power source. The method may determine a degree of coupling between the primary antenna and a secondary antenna associated with the implant unit, and regulate delivery of power to the implant unit based on the degree of coupling between the primary antenna and the secondary antenna.

Abstract: A method for delivering energy as a function of degree coupling may utilize an external unit configured for location external to a body of a subject and at least one processor associated with the implant unit and configured for electrical communication with a power source. The method may determine a degree of coupling between the primary antenna and a secondary antenna associated with the implant unit, and regulate delivery of power to the implant unit based on the degree of coupling between the primary antenna and the secondary antenna.

Abstract: Techniques for managing urinary or fecal incontinence include delivering a first type of therapy to generate a first physiological response and, upon detecting a trigger event, delivering a second type of therapy to generate a second physiological response. The first type of therapy can be delivered on a substantially regular basis, while the second type of therapy is delivered as needed to provide an additional boost of therapy. The trigger event for activating the delivery of the second type of therapy may include input from a sensor that indicates a bladder condition, patient activity level or patient posture, or patient input. In some examples, the therapy is stimulation therapy.

Abstract: A rules engine acquires sensor data from sensors applied to the heart and determines whether an electrical waveform should be applied to the heart and, if so, the type of electrical waveform. A multi-phase cardiac stimulus generator generates waveforms in response to the rules engine from waveform data stored in a memory. The electrical waveform is applied to one or more electrodes implanted in or on the heart.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for prevention and/or remediation of cardiac arrhythmias, e.g. optimizing anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) algorithms. More particularly, implantable devices are provided that measure and treat cardiac arrhythmias. By monitoring the ATP attempt from additional electrodes, far-field morphology analyses, and/or measuring the return interval from a failed ATP attempt; the devices may estimate when entrainment has occurred, the amount of delay within the reentrant tachycardia, and/or tachycardia termination/acceleration. These variables and occurrences can be used to optimize the first and/or subsequent ATP attempts. Furthermore, other exemplary embodiments describe methods to integrate electrical restitution properties into the design of ATP pacing algorithms to facilitate tachycardia termination.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to techniques for compensating for tonal deafness experienced by a recipient of an auditory prosthesis. More specifically, an auditory prosthesis system includes an external device configured to generate a graphical representation that enables the recipient to compensate for reduced tonal perception associated with delivery of the stimulation signals representative of speech signals. The external device is configured to analyze received speech signals to determine vocal articulator movement of the speaker of the speech signals and/or emotion of the speaker. The external device is further configured to display one or more animated visual cues representative of the detected vocal articulator movement and/or emotion.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of improving the persistence of electrical neural stimulation, and specifically a method of improving the persistence of an image supplied to a retina, or visual cortex, through a visual prosthesis. A continuously stimulated retina, or other neural tissue, will desensitize after a time period in the range of 20 to 150 seconds. However, an interruption of the stimulation on the order of a few milliseconds will restore the retinal sensitivity without the user perceiving the interruption, or with the user barely perceiving the interruption.

Abstract: A method for subcutaneously treating pain in a patient includes first providing a neurostimulator with an IPG body and at least a primary integral lead with electrodes disposed thereon. A primary incision is opened to expose the subcutaneous region below the dermis in a selected portion of the body. A pocket is then opened for the IPG through the primary incision and the primary integral lead is inserted through the primary incision and routed subcutaneously to a first desired nerve region along a first desired path. The IPG is disposed in the pocket through the primary incision. The primary incision is then closed and the IPG and the electrodes activated to provide localized stimulation to the desired nerve region and at least one of the nerves associated therewith to achieve a desired pain reduction response from the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a cardiac signal sensing circuit configured to sense a plurality of intrinsic cardiac signals using a plurality of cardiac pacing sites, a heart sound sensing circuit, a stimulus circuit configured to provide an electrical cardiac pacing stimulus to the plurality of pacing sites, and a control circuit electrically coupled to the cardiac signal sensing circuit and the stimulus circuit. The control circuit includes a pacing site locating circuit configured to generate an indication of a preferred pacing site as one of a) a subset of the respective cardiac pacing sites selected using the intrinsic ventricular activation time interval value, from which subset the preferred pacing site is selected using the heart sound characteristic value; or b) a subset of the respective cardiac pacing sites selected using the heart sound characteristic value, from which subset the preferred pacing site is selected using the ventricular activation time interval value.

Abstract: Methods of enabling locomotor control, postural control, voluntary control of body movements (e.g., in non-weight bearing conditions), and/or autonomic functions in a human subject having spinal cord injury, brain injury, or neurological neuromotor disease are described.

Abstract: A computer implemented system and method facilitates a cycle of generation, sharing, and refinement of volumes related to stimulation of anatomical tissue, such as brain or spinal cord stimulation. Such volumes can include target stimulation volumes, side effect volumes, and volumes of estimated activation. A computer system and method also facilitates analysis of groups of volumes, including analysis of differences and/or commonalities between different groups of volumes.

Abstract: A computer implemented system and method facilitates a cycle of generation, sharing, and refinement of volumes related to stimulation of anatomical tissue, such as brain or spinal cord stimulation. Such volumes can include target stimulation volumes, side effect volumes, and volumes of estimated activation. A computer system and method also facilitates analysis of groups of volumes, including analysis of differences and/or commonalities between different groups of volumes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for assisting a user in evaluation of cardiac therapy. The systems and methods may monitor electrical activity of a patient using external electrode apparatus to provide baseline cardiac information and therapy cardiac information and determine whether the cardiac pacing, or therapy, location is acceptable. If the cardiac pacing, or therapy, location is unacceptable, location information representative of a location that may more effective may be generated based on the therapy cardiac information.

Abstract: Implanted medical device data is received, where the data was sensed by a first lead portion and a sensor over a time period. The number of detected noise events sensed by the first lead portion is counted based on applying first noise detection criteria to the data sensed by the first lead portion. The number of detected noise events over the sensor is counted based on applying second noise detection criteria to the data sensed by the sensor. The mean number of detected noise events is calculated for the first lead portion and sensor based on the number of noise events sensed by the first lead portion and the number of noise events sensed by the sensor. Potential lead failure in the first lead is recorded if the number of detected noise events over the first lead is greater than the mean number of noise events by at least 5%.

Abstract: A hermetic electronics package of a multi-electrode neural prosthesis system includes a metal case, a feedthrough construction having an electrically insulating substrate and an array of electrically conductive feedthroughs extending through it, with the electrically insulating substrate connected to the open end of the metal case to form a hermetically sealed enclosure. And a set of electronic components is located within the hermetically sealed enclosure and operably connected to the feedthroughs of the feedthrough construction so as to electrically communicate outside the package. And a demultiplexer is fsoperatively connected to demultiplex a single signal into multiple signals prior to being transmitted through the feedthroughs.

Abstract: An external charger for an implantable medical device is disclosed which can automatically detect an implant and generate a charging field. The technique uses circuitry typically present in an external charger, such as control circuitry, a Load Shift Keying (LSK) demodulator, and a coupling detector. An algorithm in the control circuitry periodically issues charging fields of short duration in a standby mode. If the coupling detector detects the presence of a conductive material, the algorithm issues a listening window during which a charging field is generated. If an LSK reply signal is received at the LSK demodulator, the external charger can charge the implant in a normal fashion. If a movement signature is detected at the LSK demodulator indicative of a predetermined user movement of the external charger, a charging field is issued for a set timing period, to at least partially charge the IPG battery to restore LSK communications.

Abstract: A combination charging and telemetry circuit for use within an implantable device, such as a microstimulator, uses a single coil for both charging and telemetry. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, one or more capacitors are used to tune the single coil to different frequencies, wherein the coil is used for multiple purposes, e.g., for receiving power from an external source and also for the telemetry of information to and from an external source.

Abstract: A driving circuit useful in a magnetic inductive coupling wireless communication system is disclosed. The circuit includes an inductor (coil; L) and capacitor (C) in series selectively coupled to a power source such as a rechargeable battery. The LC circuit is made to resonate in accordance with a Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) or other protocol. Such resonance produces a voltage across the inductor. This voltage is used to create a first voltage either by tapping into the coil, or by providing a transformer. The first voltage is coupled to the rechargeable battery by a diode. When the circuit resonates, and when the first voltage exceeds the voltage of the power source, the diode turns on, thus shunting excess current back to recharge the rechargeable battery. By use of this circuit, energy is conserved. Additionally, oscillations can be quickly dampened so as to allow the circuit to transmit at high data rates.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing system comprising one or more leadless cardiac pacemakers configured for implantation in electrical contact with a cardiac chamber and configured to perform cardiac pacing functions in combination with a co-implanted implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The leadless cardiac pacemaker comprises at least two leadless electrodes configured for delivering cardiac pacing pulses, sensing evoked and/or natural cardiac electrical signals, and bidirectionally communicating with the co-implanted ICD.

Abstract: A device (200) which includes a monitoring unit (210), a therapy unit (220), and a display (100) that includes a touch screen (110). The monitoring unit (210) can be configured to monitor a person's vital signs, such as a person's electrocardiogram (ECG). The therapy unit (220) can be configured to administer an electric shock. The display (100) can be configured to display the ECG and enable a user to scroll the displayed ECG back and forth and/or to zoom in and zoom out the displayed ECG by touching the touch screen (110). The display (100) can also be configured to enable the user to select two or more separate segments of the ECG to view together at the same time on the display (100), which segments can be separated by intervening segments of the ECG that can be hidden from being viewed on the display (100). The display (100) can have multiple user-interface windows (120, 130).

Abstract: A system and method for correlating health related data for display. The system includes a medical device recording data and a display producing device which correlates the data and simultaneously displays different types of data or displays two sets of the same type of data along with the circumstances at which the two sets of data were recorded. Such displays aid a physician in prescribing and ascertaining the efficacy of cardiac therapies.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for treating biological tissue (G) using a low-pressure plasma with a) a transformer (1) for generating a high-frequency electromagnetic field, b) a probe, which can be electrically coupled to the transformer (1) and c) a control device (3) for controlling the high-frequency electromagnetic field generated by the transformer (1), wherein the transformer (1) has a primary coil (4) and a secondary coil (5) disposed coaxially therewith and wherein the intermediate space between the primary coil (4) and the secondary coil (5) in the overlap region (B) of the two coils (4, 5) increases from a first spacing (d1) to a second, greater spacing (d2) in the direction of a coupling (7) for the probe (2).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing a portable magnetic field therapy system for treatment of diseases and adverse health conditions, such as cancer.

Abstract: There is disclosed device and method provide efficient, comfortable and accurate positioning of a treatment device relative to a specific cranial anatomical location of a subject. In an embodiment, the method comprises: placing a fixed-position locating device on the cranium of the subject; placing an adjustable positioning cap on the cranium of the subject; loading a subject-specific calibration for treatment of a specified cranial anatomical location; determining a three-dimensional position of the fixed-position locator device relative to the adjustable positioning cap; and calibrating the location of the positioning cap by adjusting the positioning cap until it is aligned with the specified cranial anatomical location.

Abstract: Provided is a magnetic stimulation device, which does not feel hot to the user. The magnetic stimulation device (1) comprises: a contact plate (2) to be disposed near the user's head; an exciting coil (3) to be held above the contact plate (2); a casing (4), which covers at least the upper side of the exciting coil (3), in which openings (17, 18) are provided above the center of the exciting coil (3) winding, and in which a gap that is open on the outside of the exciting coil (3) is formed between the casing and the contact plate (2); and a suction fan (5) for drawing out air between the contact plate (2) and the casing (4) from the openings (17, 18) of the casing (4).

Abstract: There is therefore provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, apparatus for providing a person with neural signals responsive to features of an environment, the apparatus comprising: an environment imager that acquires an image of a region of the person's environment; and a non-contact corneal neural stimulator that stimulates nerve endings in the cornea of the person's eye responsive to the image of the environment.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for controllably managing pain in the afferent nervous system of a patient having a targeted tissue structure that has been genetically modified to have light sensitive protein, comprising a light delivery element configured to direct radiation to at least a portion of a targeted tissue structure; a light source configured to provide light to the light delivery element; and a controller operatively coupled to light source; wherein the targeted tissue structure comprises a sensory neuron of the patient; and wherein the controller is configured to be automatically operated to illuminate the targeted tissue structure with radiation such that a membrane potential of cells comprising the targeted tissue structure is modulated at least in part due to exposure of the light sensitive protein to the radiation.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting, using a sensor, an initiation event; capturing, using a camera, an image of a user's face responsive to the initiation event; activating, responsive to facial recognition and a determination based on one of exposure data associated with the user and the absence thereof that the user has not exceed a safe use standard for ultraviolet light, an ultraviolet source; the ultraviolet source and an activation duration sufficient to sanitize a surface located within a compartment. In one embodiment, visually presenting, by a display, a plurality of graphic elements associated with a plurality of potential content for presentation to the user; and presenting user selected content to the user when the ultraviolet source is activated and responsive to determining a user's selection, wherein the user's selection is made touch-lessly.

Abstract: A method for reviewing a treatment plan (24) for delivering radiation therapy to a patient. The treatment plan (24) includes geometric analysis data, dose distribution analysis data, dose volume histogram data, parametric analysis data or deliverability analysis data of a patient. First, for the treatment plan (24), a plurality of clinical and delivery goals are identified (20, 22). Next, goal data points are extracted (26) from the treatment plan (24). Then, data points are correlated (28) to identify deficiencies in the treatment plan (24). A report is generated (30) to display on a display (10) the correlated data points using visual markings (84) to highlight identified deficiencies. Text and audio notations can be attached to the report to explain the correlations and warn a user of plan deficiencies.

Abstract: The present invention includes a catheter for providing contrast under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The catheter includes an elongated tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and lumen. The catheter further includes a solution of saline and at least one contrast agent, where the solution is sealed within at least a portion of the catheter lumen.

Abstract: A method and device are designed to deliver intensity-modulated ion beam therapy radiation doses closely conforming to tumors of arbitrary shape, via a series of two-dimensional (2-D) continuous raster scans of a pencil beam, wherein each scan takes no more than about 100 milliseconds to complete. The device includes a fast scanning nozzle for the exit of an ion beam delivery gantry. The fast scanning nozzle has a fast combined-function X-Y steering magnet, and is coupled to a rastering control system capable of adjusting the length of each scan line, continuously varying the beam intensity along each scan line, and executing multiple rescans of a tumor depth layer within a single patient breathing cycle. An in-beam absolute dose and dose profile monitoring system is capable of millimeter-scale position resolution and millisecond-scale feedback to the control system to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment implementation.

Abstract: A combined magnetic resonance (MR) and radiation therapy system includes a bore-type magnet with a magnet radiation translucent region which allows radiation beams to travel radially through the magnet and a split-type gradient coil includes a gradient coil radiation translucent region aligned to the magnet radiation translucent region. A radiation source, disposed laterally to the magnet, administers a radiation dose through the magnet and gradient coil radiation translucent regions to an examination region. A dosage unit determines the actual radiation dose delivered to each voxel of a target volume and at least one non-target volume based on a pre-treatment, intra-treatment, and/or post-treatment image representation of the target volume and the at least one non-target volume. A planning processor updates at least one remaining radiation dose of a radiation therapy plan based on the determined actual radiation dose.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument is provided and includes a housing including an elongated shaft assembly extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft assembly includes inner and outer shaft members. The inner and outer shaft members are removably coupled to the housing and the outer shaft member is movable with respect to the inner shaft member. An end effector is operably supported at the distal end of the outer shaft member and includes a pair of jaw members configured for treating tissue. A bushing operably couples to the inner and outer shaft members of the shaft assembly and selectively and releasably couples to the housing. The bushing includes one or more mechanical interfaces configured to engage one or more slots defined through the inner shaft member and one or more slots defined through the outer shaft member to release the inner and outer shaft members from the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of skin tissue includes at least one ultrasound transducer for placement on the skin tissue surface; at least two drivers for driving the at least one transducer; a controller which is configured to control the at least two drivers; the controller is configured to drive the at least two drivers at different frequencies to affect different depths in the skin tissue.

Abstract: A multi-angular ultrasound device. Multi-angular ablation patterns are achieved by a catheter based ultrasound transducer having a plurality of transducer zones. A multi-chambered balloon is positioned on the catheter.

Abstract: A full hood respirator includes a fluidtight flexible bag intended to be slipped over the head of a user, the flexible bag being equipped with a transparent window and comprising, in its lower part, a source of oxygen-enriched gas and connected to an outlet orifice opening into the internal volume of the flexible bag, characterized in that the hood comprises a flexible suspension member arranged inside the flexible bag, the suspension member forming a hat or cap having a surface area smaller than the surface area of the outer flexible bag, at least part of the border of the suspension member is rigidly connected to the flexible bag, the suspension member being intended, when the hood is in the position of use, to rest on the top of the head of the user at a height somewhere between the base and the top of the hood.

Abstract: Apparatuses, components, methods, and techniques for altering equipment operation are provided. An example tool control and breathable air delivery system includes equipment including a tool and a controller configured to control the tool. The example system also includes a wearable respirator and an air delivery device connected to the wearable respirator. The example system further includes an air evaluation monitor configured to generate a signal based upon a condition of air being delivered to the wearable respirator. An example electronic circuit is configured to adjust the tool based at least in part on the signal generated by the air evaluation monitor. An example method includes enabling the tool, providing air to a respirator, determining a condition of the air, and adjusting the tool based on the condition of the air.

Abstract: Full hood respirator comprising a fluidtight flexible bag intended to be slipped over the head of a user, the flexible bag being provided with a transparent window and comprising, in its lower part, a rigid base element of annular overall shape intended to be positioned around the neck of the user, the base element comprising a tubular oxygen reservoir of pressurized oxygen provided with a calibrated outlet orifice opening into the internal volume of the flexible bag, characterized in that the base element comprises at least two rigid parts connected by an articulation, the two parts being movable relative to one another between a furled first position that prevents a head from entering the hood through the base element and an unfurled position of use that allows a head to enter the hood through the base element.

Abstract: A face mask comprising an emergency breathing apparatus to protect a user's eyes and nose and recirculate oxygen in a person's breath in a drowning or smoke-filled situation comprising very thin material that fits over the top of the user's head protecting the eyes and nose and a bladder that is insertable into a user's mouth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respirator mask comprising a mask. body, comprising at least one exhalation valve and at least one inhalation valve. At least one filter module assigned to the inhalation valve and comprising a sliding seat device for detachably fastening the filter module to the mask body. The respirator mask encompasses an accommodating recess for accommodating at least partially the filter module. The accommodating recess is embodied in a substantially cup shaped manner and, at two opposite side walls, in each case to encompass a guide web. The guide web protrudes into the accommodating recess, wherein the guide webs run parallel to one another and, at two opposite side wall sections, the filter module in each case encompasses at least one guide groove of the sliding seat device for accommodating one of the guide webs in each ease.

Abstract: A mask includes a cover body, at least one first fan, at least one second fan and an air filter. The cover body has at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The at least one air inlet and the at least one air outlet penetrate through the cover body. The at least one first fan is disposed on the cover body and matches the at least one air inlet. The at least one second fan is disposed on the cover body and matches the at least one air outlet. The air filter is disposed on the cover body and partially overlaps the at least one air inlet.

Abstract: The device for extinguishing fires is built into an aircraft, facilitating the transport of fire-fighting material and the controlled evacuation thereof from the same as it is in flight, onto the area which is on fire. The device comprises at least one closed independent recipient (3) filled with fire-fighting material, which is stored within a container, which is fastened to the aircraft, which includes at least one collapsible output hatchway for the independent recipients (3) and which, upon opening, frees the gravitational fall of fire-fighting material. The independent recipients (3) have built in filling valve (4) pathways, with an anti-drainback mechanism which guarantees it is watertight. In turn, the container is equipped with hatchways, through which the filling valves are accessed from outside.

Abstract: A supply system for providing at least oxygen depleted air and water in a vehicle includes a catalytic converter, at least one hydrogen supply means, at least one air supply means, at least one outlet for oxygen depleted air, and a control unit coupled with the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is couplable with the hydrogen supply means and is adapted for producing water under consumption of hydrogen from the at least one hydrogen supply means and oxygen. The catalytic converter is further couplable with the at least one air supply means for additionally producing oxygen depleted air. Further, the control unit is adapted for selectively operating the catalytic converter based on a demand of water and oxygen depleted air.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for demand-based control of a cold water spray system of an exhaust ventilation system. Embodiments include determining a demand load of a cooking appliance that generates cooking effluent in a vicinity of an exhaust hood, and determining a temperature of water in the cold water spray system. The cold water spray system is controlled in response to at least one of the determined appliance demand load and the determined temperature of water in the cold water spray system to maintain a low temperature of water in the cold water spray system below a predetermined temperature threshold, thereby enabling efficient removal of contaminants from the exhaust hood by the cold water spray system.

Abstract: A fume production and treatment installation includes: a fume generator including at least one burner, a combustion chamber having at least one combustion hearth, and a fume exhaust outlet; and a confinement enclosure for confining the fumes produced by the fume generator, which enclosure has an inlet connected to the fume exhaust outlet for removing fumes from the combustion chamber, and an outlet connected to the fume generator via a fume recirculation circuit, the discharge from which into the combustion chamber being referred to as the “fume feed head”. The combustion chamber has a protective screen, interposed between the combustion hearth and the fume feed head, for protecting the feed head from the flame of the burner, the inlet for the fumes into the confinement enclosure is disposed in the upper third of the enclosure, and the confinement enclosure is equipped with a closable exhaust outlet for removing condensates.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishing equipment includes: a fire-extinguishing apparatus which transmits electromagnetic waves in a predetermined output direction and discharges an extinguishing agent; an electromagnetic wave-receiver which is provided in an fire extinguishing object and receives the electromagnetic waves; and a controller which controls the fire-extinguishing apparatus to start to discharge the extinguishing agent when the output direction is set to a direction of the fire extinguishing object and the electromagnetic wave-receiver receives the electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: A sprinkler assembly that includes a deflector assembly that translates with respect to the sprinkler frame upon actuation of the sprinkler from an unactuated state. The sprinkler frame includes a support member having an annular member spaced from the outlet to limit or control the axial translation of the deflector assembly relative to the outlet. Moreover, the annular member includes a region to support a closure assembly and thermally responsive trigger assembly under a fluid static load. A cover plate assembly includes a flexible annular wall to allow the cover plate assembly to be pushed on and held about the annular member of the sprinkler frame.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting oxygen in ambient air from entering a water supply system having at least one ingress point at which a fluid can enter the water supply system includes supplying an inert gas to the at least one ingress point of the water supply system. The inert gas enters the water supply system at the at least one ingress point and substantially inhibits ambient air including oxygen from entering the water supply system at the at least one ingress point to substantially inhibit oxygen corrosion in the water supply system. Example pump assemblies for coupling to water supply systems, piping networks, and water-based fire sprinkler systems for inhibiting ambient air, including oxygen it may contain, from entering the systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A radiation-activated sprinkler includes a sprinkler body defining a main orifice, the main orifice adapted to couple to a source of pressurized liquid; a deflector coupled to the body; a valve adapted to seat on the main orifice to block the source of pressurized liquid; a linkage mechanism adapted to retain the valve on the main orifice; and one or more fusible links coupled to the linkage mechanism, wherein the one or more fusible links are located substantially externally with respect to the sprinkler body, deflector, and linkage mechanism. The one or more fusible links are adapted to release when exposed to an amount of radiation that exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby releasing the linkage mechanism from the valve. Other features and related methods are also described.

Abstract: A fire suppression system for anechoic chambers with multiple non-retractable tubes fixed on the ceiling of the chamber, with each tube connected to a pneumatic valve. Each valve is controlled by a compressed air supply that reacts to the presence of fire in the chamber. Once fire is detected in the chamber, the valves vent the compressed air to permit fire retardant fluid to pass through the fixed tubes into the chamber. The tubes and the valves do not interfere with the functions of the chamber and provide immediate fire suppression.