Abstract: Microneedle arrays, methods for fabricating microneedle arrays, medical devices, and methods for operating medical devices are provided. A method for fabricating a microneedle array includes providing a sheet blank of material. Further, the method includes stamping the sheet blank of material with a progression of dies, wherein the material is displaced into the microneedle array. A medical device includes a microneedle array, a base member having a first surface supporting the microneedle array and a second surface, and a flexible wall enclosing a chamber between the flexible wall and the second surface of the base member. The flexible wall is biased toward an extended configuration enclosing a first volume in the chamber. Further, the flexible wall is movable to a depressed configuration enclosing a second volume in the chamber less than the first volume.

Abstract: A microneedle using a biodegradable metal is represented by Chemical Formula 1 and is absorbed and degraded after subcutaneous or epithelial insertion to thus release metal ions and degradation products into the body. In Chemical Formula 1, a, b, and c represent wt % of respective ingredients, a+b+c=100 wt %, a or b has the highest value in the range of 0?a?100, 0?b?100, and 0?c?10, and X is one or more selected from the group consisting of Ca, Fe, Mn, Si, Na, Zr, Ce, and P.

Abstract: A wearable device for monitoring the body parameters of an individual and for delivering a drug and/or therapeutic agent. The device comprises a processing unit and a drug delivery unit. The processing unit comprises a sensor to determine body parameters of a user; a reservoir to store the drug; a processor to receive signals indicative of the body parameters from the sensor and determine a quantity of the drug to be delivered from the reservoir based on the body parameters; and a signal generator to generate electrical signals based on control instructions received from the processor. The drug delivery unit comprises a chamber to receive the determined quantity of the drug from the reservoir and a transducer connected to the chamber, wherein the transducer transdermally delivers the drug from the chamber to skin based on an electrical signal received from the signal generator.

Abstract: A method of delivery ultrasonic energy and a therapeutic compound to a treatment site and an ultrasonic catheter system are disclosed. The ultrasonic catheter system comprises a tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end and a treatment zone located between the distal end and the proximal end, a fluid delivery lumen, at least one ultrasound radiating element positioned in the treatment zone, wiring electrically coupled to the at least one ultrasound radiating element and extending through the tubular body and terminating at a connector, and a control system comprising external circuitry and an isolation pod that is configured to be electrically connected to the connector, the isolation pod being positioned between the tubular body and the external system and comprising an isolation barrier and circuitry for driving the ultrasound radiating element.

Abstract: An improved method and device are provided for forming and/or maintaining a percutaneous access pathway. The device generally comprises an access pathway and attachment device. The provided assembly substantially reduces the possibility of iatrogenic infection while accessing and/or re-accessing a body space.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A connector-with-integrated-check-valve for minimizing microbial migration to catheter-tubing is formed from three parts: a connector-for-catheter-tubing that is hollow and with an internal valve seat; an elastomer gate (sometimes with disc and stem); and a connector-for-extension-tubing that is hollow and with support-surfaces.

Abstract: PIVCs with extension sets can include one or more flow diverting features for maximizing the amount of flushing that occurs within the interior of the catheter adapter. These flow diverting features can therefore minimize the amount of residual blood, medicament, or other fluid that may exist within the catheter adapter after the PIVC has been flushed via the extension set. The flow diverting features may be in the form of structural modifications to the side port of the extension set, separate components that are contained within the side port or catheter adapter, integrated components within the side port or catheter adapter, other features or some combination of any of these features.

Abstract: A medical tube clamp for clamping a flexible medical tube comprising: a tube receiving area which is adapted to receive the medical tube, a first clamping portion including a first clamping jaw which is movable relative to a second clamping portion including a second clamping jaw, and a closure system for safely positioning the two clamping portions in more than one snap-fit position relative to each other so that, when the closure system is unlocked, the medical tube can be inserted in and removed from the tube clamp, in an open snap-fit position the inserted medical tube cannot be removed and is not clamped and in a clamping snap-fit position the medical tube is clamped between the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw, with the first clamping jaw being configured to be elastically movable relative to the first clamping portion via a connecting member and/or the second clamping jaw being configured to be elastically movable relative to the second clamping portion via a connecting member.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) using electrical energy. In general, the methods and devices can facilitate activation of BAT to increase thermogenesis. The BAT can be activated by applying an electrical signal thereto that can be configured to target sympathetic nerves that can directly innervate the BAT. The electrical signal can be configured to target the sympathetic nerves using fiber diameter selectivity. In other words, the electrical signal can be configured to activate nerve fibers having a first diameter without activating nerve fibers having diameters different than the first diameter. Sympathetic nerves include postganglionic unmyelinated, small diameter fibers, while parasympathetic nerves that can directly innervate BAT include preganglionic myelinated, larger diameter fibers.

Abstract: A wearable therapeutic device includes a first therapy electrode and a second therapy electrode, each configured to be electrically coupled to an external defibrillator; and a garment configured to house the first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode. The garment is configured to releasably receive a replaceable receptacle configured to store a conductive gel in a location proximate to at least one of the first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode. The garment is configured to releasably receive a receptacle control unit. The receptacle control unit is separate from the replaceable receptacle. The receptacle control unit is configured to activate deployment of the stored conductive gel from the replaceable receptacle.

Abstract: A bioelectric device includes multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs joined with a planar substrate. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

Abstract: Implantable medical electrical leads having electrodes arranged such that a defibrillation coil electrode and a pace/sense electrode(s) are concurrently positioned substantially over the ventricle when implanted as described. The leads include an elongated lead body having a distal portion and a proximal end, a connector at the proximal end of the lead body, a defibrillation electrode located along the distal portion of the lead body, wherein the defibrillation electrode includes a first electrode segment and a second electrode segment proximal to the first electrode segment by a distance. The leads may include at least one pace/sense electrode, which in some instances, is located between the first defibrillation electrode segment and the second defibrillation electrode segment.

Abstract: A surgically implanted lead stabilizer used to stabilize leads is described herein. A lead stabilizer may include a plate that is permanently or semi-permanently surgically installed on a patient's skull under their skin via screws. The plate may hold one or more lead in place. In further embodiments, the plate has two hinged halves that may be affixed fully closed or may include a slotted arm allowing the two hinged halves to be affixed partially open. The plate may include apertures through which electrical leads may pass. Example leads may be guided through one or more surface channels on the top surface of the plate causing the leads to lay flat along the patient's skull.

Abstract: A medical device system and method for detecting dislodgement of a lead determines one or more characteristics of a cardiac signal received via the lead that are associated with dislodgement of the lead during atrial fibrillation, and detects dislodgement of the ventricular lead based on the determined characteristics. The medical device and system provides a lead dislodgment alert in response to detecting dislodgement. In some examples, an implantable medical device withholds delivery of a defibrillation therapy based on detecting dislodgement of the lead.

Abstract: A neuromimetic stimulating apparatus includes a feedback detector configured to detect a feedback signal from a target to be stimulated, a controller configured to analyze a waveform of the detected feedback signal and determine a parameter based on the analyzed waveform of the detected feedback signal, and a signal generator configured to generate a stimulus signal corresponding to the detected feedback signal based on the determined parameter.

Abstract: A patient stimulation device is provided comprising a plurality of stimulators for selectively applying a stimulus to a patient's body. Each of the plurality of stimulators is locatable in a different position upon a patient's body. A patient input interface is provided for receiving data representative of a perceived stimulus from the patient, and an output is provided for communicating to a patient data representative of an applied stimulus. The device comprises a controller having a training mode, the training mode comprising the controller actuating at least one of the plurality of stimulators to apply a stimulus to the patient's body, subsequently receiving data representative of a perceived stimulus from the patient input interface, and subsequently providing the output with data representative of the applied stimulus for communication to the patient, such that the data representative of the applied stimulus identifies, or allows the identification of, the applied stimulus.

Abstract: A non-invasive control system for neuromuscular stimulation includes an eye-tracking device, an electrical stimulation device, and software that interprets the eye movements of the user to determine an intended movement and sends electrical signal(s) to the stimulation device to achieve the intended movement. For example, the stimulation device may be a sleeve with electrodes worn on a paralyzed limb, with the intended movement being the movement of the limb.

Abstract: An exemplary connection joint includes a wire constructed from a first conductive material having a first melting point and a pad constructed from a second conductive material different from the first conductive material and having a second melting point lower than the first melting point. The connection joint further includes a groove within the pad that partially surrounds the wire and a fixative covering the wire and the pad so as to fix the wire in place within the groove. The groove is formed by a displacement of the second conductive material that occurs when the wire is in contact with the pad at a contact area of the pad that is heated to a temperature between the first and second melting points so as to reflow the second conductive material from which the pad is constructed without reflowing the first conductive material from which the wire is constructed.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a method and system for preventing motion sickness, the method includes: obtaining, by a processing circuit, a current motion state of a user; judging, by the processing circuit, whether a start condition of an electromagnetic pulse circuit is met according to the current motion state of the user; and triggering, by the processing circuit, the electromagnetic pulse circuit to generate a micro-current affecting an equalizing pulse of a human semicircular canal via a pulsed electromagnetic field, after determining that the start condition is met.

Abstract: The ExtraCardiac Nerve Stimulator and the ExtraCardiac Nerve Stimulation (ECANS) are, respectively, the apparatus and method to get remote nerve stimulation for medical applications. The system makes possible the stimulation without direct contact with the nerve based on special electrical wave. The remote nerve stimulation is extremely important for investigational and therapeutic proposals. The possibility of having this resource without surgical dissection, nerve exposure and tissue lesion with time-consuming process, is remarkable. This procedure relies on a settable stimulator with special features that releases a pulse wave with high frequency, very short pulse width, great amplitude, and precise current and time limitation connected to a special catheter, placed inside a vase or viscera. Frequency, pulse width, amplitude and time of application are operator adjustable to be effective against large patient variations, different anatomy, and areas of application.

Abstract: A treatment system for stimulating the vagus nerves is described, comprising the following elements: -a detection and control unit (20); -at least one detection probe (10d, 10g) connected to the detection and control unit and intended to be applied to at least one of the two vagus nerves of a patient; -means (24) provided in the detection and control unit for detecting a phenomenon of mass discharge of action potentials in at least one vagus nerve using the detection probe or detection probes; -stimulation probes (10d, 10g) for stimulating vagus nerves, and -means (24) provided in the detection and control unit that are capable, in response to the detection of a mass discharge, of applying predefined asymmetric stimulation signals to said stimulation probes capable of causing a depolarization and/or hyperpolarization of the vagus nerves and of blocking the conduction of the action potentials at least in the efferent direction.

Abstract: Techniques are described in this disclosure for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to a patient over multiple channels, with independent rate control for each channel, using a single stimulation generator. In one example, the disclosure describes a method for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to a patient that includes delivering first electrical stimulation pulses at a first programmed rate on a first channel using a stimulation generator, and delivering second electrical stimulation pulses at a second programmed rate on a second channel using the stimulation generator, the second programmed rate being different than the first programmed rate, and the second programmed rate being independent of the first programmed rate.

Abstract: Baseline BiV pacing is delivered and a corresponding baseline BiV efficacy score is determined. Intrinsic AV conduction is allowed and an intrinsic AV conduction interval is determined. BiV fusion pacing is delivered and a corresponding efficacy score is determined, for each of a plurality of different paced AV delays, each determined based on the intrinsic AV conduction interval and a different negative hysteresis delta. The baseline BiV pacing is selected for delivery during a period of time if the baseline BiV efficacy score is better than all of the efficacy scores. BiV fusion pacing is selected for delivery during the period of time, using one of the plurality of different paced AV delays for which a corresponding efficacy score was determined, if the efficacy score corresponding to at least one of the plurality of different paced AV delays is better than the baseline BiV efficacy score.

Abstract: An energy harvester converts into electrical energy the external stresses applied to the implant at the heartbeat rhythm. This harvester comprises an inertial unit and a transducer delivering an electrical signal that is rectified and regulated for powering the implant and charging an energy storage component. The charge level of the energy storage component is compared with a lower threshold to detect an insufficient charge, and a dynamic charging control circuit modifies, as and whenever necessary, and if the current patient's state allows it, a stimulation parameter in a direction liable to increase in return the mean level of the mechanical energy that is produced and harvested.

Abstract: A method for subcutaneously treating pain in a patient includes first providing a neurostimulator with an IPG body and at least a primary, a secondary, and a tertiary 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 integral leads are inserted through the primary incision and routed subcutaneously to desired nerve regions along desired paths. 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 regions and at least three of the nerves associated therewith to achieve a desired pain reduction response from the patient.

Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) system includes a support structure that the patient may wear, and one or more sensors that may acquire patient physiological signals, such as ECG and others. A processor of the WCD system may determine diagnostics from the patient physiological signals. These diagnostics include a six-second ECG portion, heart rates as histograms, heart rates against QRS width, heart rate trends, clinical event counters, diagnostics relating to heart rate variability and about the atrial arrhythmia burden of the patient. In some embodiments, the WCD system includes a user interface with a screen that displays these diagnostics. In some embodiments, the WCD system exports these diagnostics for viewing by a different screen. When viewed, these diagnostics permit more detailed analysis of the state of the patient.

Abstract: A cardiac monitoring and treatment system includes a wearable defibrillator worn about the torso of a patient and a remote device configured to communicate with the wearable defibrillator. The wearable defibrillator includes one or more buttons configured to be actuated by the patient to cause the wearable defibrillator to withhold an imminent delivery of a therapy necessitated by a detected cardiac arrhythmia. The remote device includes a touch screen including one or more remote response buttons accessible by the patient to respond to a notification of the imminent delivery of the therapy necessitated by the detected cardiac arrhythmia. Actuation of either the one or more remote response buttons of the remote device or the one or more buttons of the wearable defibrillator causes the wearable defibrillator to withhold the imminent delivery of the therapy necessitated by the detected cardiac arrhythmia.

Abstract: A micro-electrode array (1) comprising a flexible substrate (2) and a multiplicity of electrodes (3) for electrically measuring neural activity is described. The electrodes (3) are arranged on the substrate (2), project from the plane of the substrate (2) and have a core (4). A plurality of measurement lines (9) that are electrically insulated from one another are arranged around the core (4). Adjacent to the end surface (7) of the core (4), at the end of the electrodes (3) there are a plurality of electrode surfaces (8) arranged in a manner distributed spatially around the end surface (7), said electrode surfaces in each case being electrically conductively connected to an associated measurement line (9). The micro-electrode array (1) is passivated with a polymer-containing material, such as e.g. polyimide, such that only the electrodes (3) electrically contact neural tissue with their electrode surfaces (8, E1, E2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a neural probe incorporated with an optical waveguide. The method for manufacturing a neural probe incorporated with an optical waveguide comprises the following steps. A mold-filling step, for providing a base with at least one groove formed therein. A disposing step, for disposing and overlaying a substrate having a plurality of electrode parts on the groove of the base. A combining step, for solidifying the photosensitive adhesive by a solidification process, the solidified photosensitive adhesive forming an optical waveguide and being combined with the substrate. A mold-releasing step, for removing the base from the optical waveguide and the substrate, the substrate and the optical waveguide forming a product.

Abstract: A radiation therapy treatment method includes providing a patient model, dosimetric constraints, delivery motion constraints, and delivery coordinate space of a radiation delivery device, where the delivery coordinate space is represented as a mesh with vertices connected by edges, where the vertices correspond to directions of a beam eye view (BEV) of the radiation delivery device. BEV region connectivity manifolds are constructed from the patient model, the dosimetric constraints, the delivery coordinate space, and existing beam trajectories, wherein each of the BEV region connectivity manifolds represents connections between contiguous 2D target regions. Beam trajectories are selected based on region connectedness information in the BEV region connectivity manifolds, the dosimetric constraints, the delivery motion constraints, and the existing beam trajectories. Radiation is delivered using the radiation delivery device in accordance with the selected beam trajectories.

Abstract: Provided in the present invention is a three-dimensional precise intracavitary radiotherapy method and system for treating tumours, comprising the steps of: (1) lesion three-dimensional quantitative measurement and analysis of three-dimensional scanning image of the lesion cavity; (2) comprehensive analysis according to lesion three-dimensional quantitative measurement results and lesion characteristics to calculate the three-dimensional distribution of lesion radiation dose; and (3) according to the three-dimensional distribution diagram of radiation dose, selecting appropriate radiation sources and radiation dose to make a stent, and performing three-dimensional precise intracavitary radiotherapy. At the same time, also provided by the present invention is a system for achieving the above radiotherapy method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shuttle mode radiation delivery are described herein. One method for radiation delivery comprises moving the patient platform through the patient treatment region multiple times during a treatment session. This may be referred to as patient platform or couch shuttling (i.e., couch shuttle mode). Another method for radiation delivery comprises moving the therapeutic radiation source jaw across a range of positions during a treatment session. The jaw may move across the same range of positions multiple times during a treatment session. This may be referred to as jaw shuttling (i.e., jaw shuttle mode). Some methods combine couch shuttle mode and jaw shuttle mode. Methods of dynamic or pipelined normalization are also described.

Abstract: A method of delivering a particle beam at a target is disclosed. In implementations, the particle beam is delivered from an output device at a plurality of control points and the method comprises the step of delivering a substantially continuous particle beam about the plurality of control points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices. Disclosed is an adjustable collimator, which can solve the problem that existing collimators cannot achieve precise therapy in a small irradiation field. The adjustable collimator comprises a controller and two blade sets arranged opposite to each other; the blade sets comprise a plurality of blades, the controller drives the blades to move so as to form a first irradiation field through which a ray can pass; at least one blade in the blade set is a small irradiation field blade, and at least one irradiation field hole is provided on the small irradiation field blade; the controller is further used to drive the small irradiation field blade to move such that the irradiation field hole becomes a second irradiation field through which the ray can pass, wherein the second irradiation field is smaller than the first irradiation field.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for treatment of subcutaneous fat by simultaneously transdermally inducing both ultrasonic transverse vibrations and ultrasonic longitudinal vibrations in subcutaneous tissue, for example for reduction of subcutaneous fat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for skin cancer treatment using low intensity ultrasound. The system comprises an ultrasound transducer, a temperature sensing unit, and a control unit. The temperature sensing unit measures the temperature of the skin being exposed to ultrasound and provides temperature data to the control unit, which controls the ultrasound transducer accordingly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cosmetic compositions comprising (1) at least one polyvinyl alcohol-styrylpyridinium polymer and (2) at least one latex film-forming polymer. Also disclosed herein are methods for making up and/or enhancing the appearance of a keratinous substrate comprising (1) forming a film on the keratinous substrate by applying to said keratinous substrate a cosmetic composition comprising (a) at least one polyvinyl alcohol-styrylpyridinium polymer and (2) at least one latex film-forming polymer and (2) exposing the film to radiation chosen from UV and visible light radiation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hair styling compositions that exhibit non-Newtonian shear thickening behavior. The hair styling composition include: (a) about 0.1 to about 7 wt. % of AMP-acrylates/allyl methacrylate copolymer, based on the total weight of the hair styling composition; (b) one or more nonionic film-forming polymers; (c) one or more polysaccharides; (d) one or more nonionic surfactants; and (e) water. Additional components such as, for example, water-soluble solvents, fatty compounds, amphoteric film-forming polymers, volatile or non-volatile silicones, thickeners (ionic or non-ionic), etc., may also optionally be included. The hair styling compositions are particularly useful for styling or shaping hair and for providing hold, discipline, and texture to hair.

Abstract: A method of activating inactive hair follicles by administering a composition including an effective amount of zinc thymulin to a subject. The method generates new hair growth and may be used to treat or prevent hair loss or, alternatively, to increase the quantity of hair in a subject that does not suffer from hair loss.

Abstract: An abseiling device includes an annular spool with an inner surface, the spool being rotatable around a central axis. The spool includes an annular gear around its periphery with gear teeth facing the central axis. A line is wound around the spool, with one end fixed to the spool and the other end having an attachment mechanism. The device also has a shaft which is co-axial with the central axis and a centrifugal brake attached to the shaft. The centrifugal brake includes brake pads for applying a breaking force to the spool. The device also has a brake gear attached to the shaft, the brake gear being rotatable with the shaft, and a compound gear. The compound gear includes a first gear for engaging with the brake gear and a second gear for engaging with the annular gear. The first gear has a greater number of teeth than the second gear. When the spool is at rest the brake pad extends around over 80% of the circumference of the inner surface of the spool.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and breathing equipment training devices for simulated resource depletion calculation. The breathing equipment training device includes a shell including an opening, a sensor connected to the shell, and a controller connected to the shell and operably connected to the sensor. The controller is configured to calculate, based on inputs from the sensor, a flowrate of air entering the breathing equipment training device through the opening of the shell and calculate an amount of depletion of a simulated resource for a duration of time based on the calculated flowrate of air entering the opening of the shell. The controller is configured to identify a current status of the simulated resource based on the calculated resource depletion amount and a prior status of the simulated resource identified prior to the duration of time and generate a feedback signal indicating the current status of the simulated resource.

Abstract: An integrated manifold system is disclosed that combines in a single, compact, unitary assembly a one-piece, machined manifold for connecting air supply cylinders with a first stage regulator and recharge port. The manifold body has at least one bottle port configured to removably receive a bottle of pressurized air, a first stage regulator chamber, a quick disconnect fitting port, an air channel in fluid communication with the at least one bottle port and the first stage regulator chamber, and an outlet channel in fluid communication with the first stage regulator chamber.

Abstract: A containment enclosure is shown and described. The enclosure is suitable for enclosing an offgas producing object such as an electronic device undergoing a thermal excursion, or a fire containment bag in which such an offgas producing object is contained. The containment enclosure includes an overpressure protection device and internal and external filters to prevent the enclosure from overpressuring while at the same time minimizing the emission of toxins or contaminants to the atmosphere.

Abstract: This application with regard to an apparatus of mixing a compressed air foam is disclosed. The disclosed application includes a first mixing unit that receives fire water and an undiluted foam solution, and adjusts an inflow of the undiluted foam solution so that a supply amount of the undiluted foam solution is adjusted in proportion to a supply amount of the fire water, and mixes the received fire water and undiluted foam solution to produce a foam aqueous solution; and a second mixing unit that mixes a compressed gas with a foam aqueous solution produced in the first mixing unit to produce a compressed air foam.

Abstract: A pressure maintenance device is connected to a fire protection sprinkler system having downstream piping that is exposed to freezing temperatures, and supplies a pressurized fluid to the downstream piping when the sprinkler system is in an inactivated state. When an outlet pressure sensor near an outlet of the pressure maintenance device detects that a pressure of the pressurized fluid downstream of an outlet regulator falls below a first predetermined pressure, the pressure maintenance device supplies the pressurized fluid in a primary supply mode or a secondary supply mode. The pressure maintenance device automatically switches from the primary supply mode to the secondary supply mode if a supply pressure sensor detects that a pressure of the pressurized fluid downstream of a first pressurized fluid valve, and upstream of the outlet pressure regulator, falls below a second predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A tire suppression system includes a centralized controller and a plurality of modules (14). Each module includes a housing (30), a printed circuit board (32) with a mounted microprocessor (34), a first connector (36) including a first pair of data wires (38) mounted to the board; and a second connector (40) including a second pair of data wires (42) mounted to the board so that the printed circuit board electrically connects the first and second pairs of data wires. The modules are interconnected with the central controller to define data buses for centralized fire detection, user interface and system response. The connectors of each module interconnect the plurality of modules in series to the central controller.

Abstract: Fire suppression systems and methods of suppressing fires are disclosed. The methods may include detecting an increase in temperature that corresponds to presence of a fire, and discharging fire suppressing fluid from at least one fire suppressing fluid source into a fluid passage and toward an outlet of the fluid passage in response to a detected increase in temperature. The fluid passage may be sized to contain the at least one fire suppressing fluid source. Discharging the fire suppressing fluid may (i) draw air from the enclosure into the fluid passage through an inlet of the fluid passage and around the at least one fire suppressing fluid source, and (ii) expel air and the fire suppressing fluid out of the fluid passage through the outlet and toward the enclosure.

Abstract: Related are a chemical warfare agent (CWA) decontaminant, a method of decontaminating a CWA using the CWA decontaminant, and a product including the CWA decontaminant. The CWA decontaminant may include a metal-organic framework (MOF) including at least one metallic compound among metal hydroxide, metal hydride, metal acetate, metal methoxide, and metal oxide, and the at least one metallic compound may be dispersed either on a surface of the MOF or in pores of the MOF, or both.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems are provided which include one or more receptacles for receiving drugs and further include one or more stored supplies of one or more absorbent materials comprising crosslinkers, wherein the apparatus and systems are adapted to release the absorbent materials comprising crosslinkers into the one or more receptacles. A method is provided which includes depositing a drug into a predetermined amount of fluid and adding to the drug containing fluid a absorbent material comprising crosslinkers which is capable of encapsulating the drug containing fluid and possibly killing infectious materials within the fluid and/or denaturing the drug within the fluid.