Abstract: A system and method for delivering a drug to a target site within a patient's body. The system and method include a steerable guide catheter and a drug delivery catheter. The steerable guide catheter has a first extension tube and a second extension tube that are joined together and form a shoulder. The delivery catheter has a distal docking segment and a proximal docking segment. The guide catheter is inserted into the patient's body, then the delivery catheter is inserted into the guide catheter. The distal docking segment engages the first extension tube, the proximal docking segment engages the second extension tube, and the shoulder limits the distance the delivery catheter can be inserted into the guide catheter. Also, once the delivery catheter is inserted it can be rotated to attach the helical tip to the target site. The guide catheter also includes a steering mechanism as well as a friction mechanism which controls the tension on the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter; a catheter hub fixed to a proximal end portion of the catheter; a hollow needle having a needle tip and disengageably located in the catheter; a needle hub fixed to a proximal end portion of the needle; a guide wire slidably located in the needle, the guide wire being longer than the catheter and having a distal end that is protrudable from the needle tip; a guide wire hub configured to support the guide wire and move the guide wire with respect to the needle in association with movement of the guide wire hub; and a movement mechanism configured to retract the guide wire hub with respect to the needle hub such that the distal end of the guide wire is housed in the needle in association with forward movement of the catheter hub with respect to the needle hub.

Abstract: A catheter placement device including a location portion for locating the device relative to a body part and a tubular up stand extending upwardly from the location portion and having a bore therethrough, the bore being oriented such that the bore extends angularly relative to the body part in use.

Abstract: A catheter port adapted to be selectively secured topically to a patient's body about a site at which a catheter is to be inserted into the patient's body. The catheter port includes a cushion adapted to be secured to the patient's epidermis at its bottom surface about the site and at its top surface to a member, an inner tube having one portion mounted on the member and having another portion that is adapted to extend into the patient's body about the site for guiding movement of a catheter relative to the site and for preventing any portion of the catheter from ever contacting the patient's epidermis, an outer tube having a proximal end mounted on one of the member and inner tube, an intermediate portion extending away from the one of the member and the inner tube in a distal end and a septum mounted on the outer tube.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sheath configured to be at least partially inserted into a body of a patient, the sheath having a distal end and a proximal end; a housing coupled to the proximal end of the sheath; and a control mechanism operably coupled to the housing and slidable to move the sheath relative to the housing. The control mechanism includes a locking mechanism for locking the control mechanism in place relative to the housing; a deflection mechanism for articulating a distal end of the sheath; and a saddle slidable relative to the locking mechanism and the deflection mechanism. A device is coupled to the saddle and is extendable from and retractable within the sheath.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tip electrode with a shell and a support member to provide a plenum chamber. The plug is formed with a U-shaped passage for a safety line to wrap around and secure the support member (with the shell affixed thereto) to the catheter. Additional passages are formed in the plug to accommodate components such as irrigation tubing, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair. A method of manufacture provides distal installation and/or anchoring of the safety line, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair in the support member prior to sealing the support member and mounting the shell.

Abstract: A steering handle for a catheter. The steering handle includes a thumb knob arrangement for driving a cam assembly that in turn actuates a pull wire or pull wires. In some embodiments, the cam assembly includes a set of dual pins that actuate the pull wire in a quasi-linear relationship between cam rotation and axial displacement of the wire. In certain embodiments, the second set of dual pins imparts a reverse action on a second pull wire, also in quasi-linear fashion. That is, when one wire is released by the cam assembly, the other wire is taken in by the cam assembly. In various embodiments, the quasi-linear action can cause release of more pull wire than is taken in, thereby helping prevent the released pull wire to act as an unwanted counter force to the actuated pull wire.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securing a medical or surgical line with respect to a patient are described. In particular, a fastener is described comprising an elongate braided tubular sleeve for receiving the line therethrough, the sleeve having a first end for fixing adjacent to the patient, in use, and a second end for arranging, in use, proximal to medical equipment coupled to the line. The fastener also includes a first substantially rigid collar coupled to the sleeve at the first end of the sleeve and a second substantially rigid collar coupled to the sleeve at the second end of the sleeve. An enlarged flange is provided, secured to the first collar at the first end of the sleeve and an adhesive plaster for securing the fastener with respect to a patient is provided, the adhesive plaster being secured to the enlarged flange. In one embodiment, the adhesive plaster having an area of at least 5 cm2.

Abstract: The present invention describes a securement device that maintains proper placement of a percutaneous catheter and incorporates a universal fitting for the attachment of various, interchangeable, active and passive technologies. The securement device includes a unique catheter hub that enables attachment of active technology to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring applications of physiologic, anatomic, and other clinically relevant properties or conditions. The securement device also includes a primary semi-flexible polymeric retention member (the “base”) positioned atop, or integrated with, a thin flexible adhesive pad. The adhesive pad has a first surface with an adhesive substrate and a second surface configured to receive the base. The hub is received within the base and a cap is used to secure the hub to the base.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a collar assembly comprising a coupling portion proximate the second end and a first compression member configured to removably engage the coupling portion. The catheter assembly further comprises a wing assembly that includes a housing configured to at least partially receive a cannula. The wing assembly also comprises two or more wings extending radially from the housing and a second compression member configured to removably engage a coupling portion. A tube is configured to fluidly couple the collar assembly to the wing assembly, and wherein a portion of the tube is retained by the first and second compression members.

Abstract: A medical elongated body including a catheter main body. The catheter main body has a tubular body and a lumen. The tubular body includes a guide wire lumen into which a guide wire is insertable. The tubular body also a distal member positioned at the distal portion of the tubular body. The distal member has a lumen that communicates with the guide wire lumen. The inner diameter of the distal member decreases between the proximal end and a distal end opening of the distal member. The medical elongated body also includes a visible marker that extends circumferentially on the outer surface of the distal member to indicate a position of the distal member in the axial direction corresponding to a predetermined inner diameter of the distal member. The visible marker is visible before the medical elongated body is inserted into a living body.

Abstract: A device for implanting into an atrial septum of a patient. In some embodiments, the device has a core region to be disposed in an opening in the atrial septum; a distal retention region adapted to engage tissue on a left atrial side of the septal wall; a proximal retention region adapted to engage tissue on a right atrial side of the septal wall; and a retrieval region comprising a plurality of retrieval members, each retrieval member comprising a connector at a proximal end, the connector being adapted to connect to a delivery system. The device has a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, the core region, distal retention region and proximal retention region each having a smaller diameter in the delivery configuration than in the deployed configuration, the retrieval member connectors being disposed proximal to and radially outward from the opening in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an implant to a first space within a body of a patient including an elongate delivery member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen and a receiving area, the receiving area dimensioned for receipt of the implant. A deforming member is movable with respect to the delivery member from a first position to a second position to apply a force to the implant to deform the implant positioned in the receiving area of the delivery member.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for transmucosal drug delivery. The transmucosal drug delivery device may include a housing configured for intralumenal deployment, such as intravaginally, into a human or animal subject; a drug-dispensing portion which contains at least one drug, the drug-dispensing portion being configured to dispense the drug from the housing by positive displacement; and a permeability enhancer-dispensing portion configured to release or generate a permeability enhancing substance to disrupt at least one region of a mucosal barrier adjacent to the housing at a selected time while intralumenally deployed in the human or animal subject. The device may be operable to dispense the drug from the housing to a region of the mucosal barrier disrupted by the permeability enhancing substance.

Abstract: A medical device comprises a flexible member that can be adhesively attached to a housing of the medical device, allowing implantation of the medical device into a body through an incision of reduced size. The flexible member can be attached to the housing either before or after implantation into the body. The flexible member comprises suture locations, including a permeable membrane or a suture hole, for suturing the medical device to tissue of the body. The suture holes can be filled with a substance penetrable by a suture needle, to minimize tissue ingrowth before or after suturing.

Abstract: A connector for fluidly coupling proximal and distal tubular segments of a fluid conduit is provided. In one embodiment, the connector can include a connector body having an outer surface defining a first outer perimeter and an inner surface defining a lumen. The connector can also include a connecting device having an open configuration and a plurality of closed configurations. The connecting device can include first and second members configured to engage each other to secure the fluid conduit to the connector. The connecting device can also include a plurality of closed configurations for securing fluid conduits of different sizes.

Abstract: An aseptic coupling device includes: a main body defining a front face; a membrane coupled to the front face, the membrane including a first portion coupled to the front face and a second portion folded over on the first portion; and a low friction member positioned between the first and second portions of the membrane.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling the flow of fluids in a fluid infusion system. The system may include first and second fluid containers, first and second tubes coupled to the first and second fluid containers, and an external valve coupled to the second tube and configured to be attached to the first tube. The valve may be configured to shape the first tube to form a valve region which is opened or closed by an actuating element in the valve that is driven by hydrostatic pressure from the second tube. A full second container may generate a pressure that is concentrated through a diaphragm onto a pin which presses on the shaped first tube region, closing it to allow only fluid from the second container to flow. When the fluid level in the second line falls reducing pressure, the pin's force reduces until the first tube is opened.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for intermittent microinfusion. A system may include a pump and an IV set that includes a y-port valve disposed below a pump interface portion of the IV tubing. The y-port valve may include an internal valve member that allows fluid to flow from the pump to a patient when no syringe is attached to the y-port. The internal valve member may be moved by the attachment of a syringe containing the medication to be infused to the y-port such that the fluid pathway from the pump to the patient is blocked and fluid from the syringe can be injected into the IV tubing between the y-port valve and the pump. The pump may retrograde pump the medication into the tubing via the y-port valve and then forward pump the medication to the patient when the syringe is removed from the y-port.

Abstract: Improved circuitry for measuring analog values in an implantable pulse generator is disclosed. The measurement circuitry executes instructions that define the timing and parameters of measurements to be taken. The instructions include instructions that are responsive to different types of triggers issued by different pulse definition circuits, which pulse definition circuits generate different stimulation waveforms at different groups of electrodes. The measurement circuitry is configurable to update the groups of electrodes used to deliver stimulation.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for patient monitoring and treatment can include an electrode configured to be worn by a patient to provide at least one of monitoring a cardiac function of the patient and delivering a treatment for cardiac arrhythmia to the patient; and a first connector connected to and in communication with the electrode, the first connector including a male connection portion. The male connection portion is configured to engage a second connector to form a mating engagement between the first connector and the second connector. The male connection portion includes at least one orientation aligning feature configured to engage the male connection portion of the first connector with the second connector in a fixed orientation with respect to the second connector to form the mating engagement. The first connector has a flattened profile.

Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillation (WCD) system includes one or more electrode assemblies. The WCD system may have a support structure that is dimensioned to be worn so as to press the electrode assembly towards the body of the patient. The electrode assembly may have an electrode, and a compressible pillow structure that is compressed when the electrode assembly is pressed towards the body of the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally pertain to devices and methods for use in conjunction with implanting a baroreflex therapy system which includes an implantable pulse generator and associated circuitry contained within a hermetically sealed housing, an elongate flexible electrical lead connectable to the housing, and a monopolar electrode structure coupled with the electrical lead. More specifically, the devices and methods of the present invention allow for a mapping procedure to be conducted as part of the implant procedure prior to fully implanting the baroreflex therapy system.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering an implantable stimulation device in a patient, the catheter including a probe having a plurality of electrodes, wherein the probe is transferrable from a reduced delivery state for movement within a human body to an expanded tissue contacting state, in which at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes is in contact with tissue; and at least one holder to which an implantable stimulation device is attachable, wherein the at least one holder is positioned proximally to the probe section by a predefined distance “d”.

Abstract: Studies of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying human myopathies and muscular dystrophies often require animal models, but models of some human diseases are not yet available. The present invention provides methods to promote the engraftment and development of myogenic cells from individuals with such diseases into mature muscle tissue in mice to treat muscle diseases, muscle injury and reduced muscle function. Immortalized human myogenic precursor cells (hMPCs) form mature human myofibers following implantation into the hindlimbs of immunodeficient mice. The engraftment of the cells and their development into mature muscle myofibers is promoted by intermittent neuromuscular electrical stimulation (iNMES) of the peroneal nerve of the engrafted limb. The human myofibers that form are innervated, their contractile apparatus is fully differentiated, and they are comprised of human myonuclei, with minimal contamination by murine myonuclei.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of neurostimulation for treating obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: Applying therapeutic neural stimuli involves monitoring for at least one of sensory input and movement of a user. In response to detection of sensory input or user movement, an increased stimulus dosage is delivered within a period of time corresponding to a duration of time for which the detected sensory input or user movement gives rise to masking, the increased stimulus dosage being configured to give rise to increased neural recruitment.

Abstract: A method including chronically implanting a nerve cuff electrode on a portion of a hypoglossal nerve, chronically implanting a respiration sensing lead subcutaneously in a thorax of a patient, the respiration sensing lead having a plurality of bio-impedance electrodes defining at least one bio-impedance vector. The method may also include sensing a bio-impedance signal corresponding to respiration via a bio-impedance vector on an anterior side of the thorax, analyzing the bio-impedance signal to identify onsets of expiration, predicting an onset of a future expiratory phase, and delivering a stimulus to the portion of the hypoglossal nerve via the nerve cuff electrode, wherein the stimulus is delivered as a function of the bio-impedance signal; wherein stimulus delivery is initiated before the onset of the future expiratory phase and continued during an entire inspiratory phase, and wherein the method is performed without identifying an onset of an inspiratory phase.

Abstract: The present invention reduces pain and improves function long-term in persons with back pain using electrical stimulation in the back. This approach involves an electrical stimulation device including at least one electrode adapted for insertion within an animal body with back pain and at least one pulse generator operatively coupled with the at least one electrode, wherein the pulse generator delivers electrical stimulation activating at least a nerve innervating at least a paraspinal muscle in a back of the animal body for pain relief.

Abstract: An electronic stimulation device is adapted for electrically stimulating a target zone of an organism. The electronic stimulation device comprises at least one electronic stimulation unit. The electronic stimulation unit includes at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The electronic stimulation unit receives an electrical stimulation signal to impel the first electrode and the second electrode to generate an electric field. The range of the electric field covers the target zone, and the electric field strength ranges from 100 V/m to 1000 V/m. The target zone is selected from the group consisting of a dorsal root and a dorsal root entry zone of a spinal cord, and the electronic stimulation unit is configured to be disposed in an anatomical space of the organism, and said anatomical space is selected from the group consisting of a spinal canal, a lateral recess and an epidural space.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern delivering electrical stimulation to the brain at a plurality of different levels of a stimulation parameter and sensing a bioelectrical response of the brain to delivery of the electrical stimulation for each of the plurality of different levels of the stimulation parameter. A suppression window of the stimulation parameter can be identified as having a suppression threshold as a lower boundary and an after-discharge threshold as an upper boundary based on the sensed bioelectrical responses. A therapy level of the stimulation parameter can be set for therapy delivery based on the suppression window. The therapy level of the stimulation parameter may be set closer to the suppression threshold than the after-discharge threshold within the suppression window. Data for hippocampal stimulation demonstrating a suppression window is presented.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are portable and integrated modules and devices for non-intrusive neuromodulation and monitoring of heart function, and methods of operation thereof. The modules and devices include a monitoring unit, an electrical stimulation inducing unit, and three electrodes, such that one of the electrodes is dual-function, being controllably utilized for neuromodulation or for monitoring of heart function.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for pacing a heart of a patient are disclosed. A device may include a leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) that includes a power supply, a pair of electrodes, and a controller operably connected to the electrodes and the power supply. The controller may identify a capture threshold by setting a pace amplitude at a power supply voltage of the power supply and deliver pacing stimulation pulses with different pulse widths to identify the capture threshold. The LCP may then deliver pacing stimulation pulses based, at least in part, on a pulse amplitude and pulse width associated with the capture threshold, and also adding a capture margin. In some cases, the pulse amplitude may change over time and the LCP may adjust a pulse width along a strength-duration curve to account for the pulse amplitude change and maintain a capture threshold and capture margin.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method that includes: establishing a communication link between a programming device and a controller device, the controller device wirelessly and non-inductively powering and controlling a passive implantable stimulator device; presenting configuration options to the patient user of the passive implantable stimulator device, the configuration options comprising stimulation waveform parameters for driving the passive implantable stimulator; receiving a specification of the configuration options in response to the presented configuration options; receiving user feedback when the user specified configuration options are transferred to the controller device which, in turn, drives the implantable stimulator device according to the specified configuration options; building, at the programming device, a profile that correlates the user specified configuration options with the corresponding quantitative index of pain; and recommending at least one configuration option based on the profile built f

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to implantable medical devices (IMDs) and methods for use therewith. Such a method includes enabling a communication capability of an IMD during a message alert period and monitoring for a message while the communication capability is enabled during the message alert period. In response to receiving a message during the message alert period, there is a determination whether the message is valid or invalid. If the message is invalid, the message is ignored, and an invalid message count is incremented. A further message is monitored for during the message alert period occurs, when the invalid message count has not yet reached a corresponding invalid message count threshold. The communication capability of the IMD is disabled for a disable period, when the invalid message count reaches the corresponding invalid message count threshold. If a valid message is received, the IMD acts upon information included therein.

Abstract: A one-piece electrical contact ring for use in a lead receptacle of an implantable medical device includes (i) a tubular body defining a cavity extending through the body and (ii) a plurality of resiliently deflectable elements extending from the tubular body into the cavity. The deflectable elements have a lead contacting portion configured to contact the lead when received by the cavity. The lead contacting portions of the deflectable elements in a relaxed state are located in a plane that intersects the tubular body and are configured to deflect along the plane towards the tubular body as the lead is inserted in the contact ring. The contact ring may further include a plurality of stops, each configured to (i) engage a stop portion of the elements when the elements are sufficiently outwardly deflected and (ii) inhibit further outward deflection of the elements when the stops engage the stop portions.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to techniques for separately transferring power and data from an external device to an implantable component of a partially or fully implantable medical device. The separated power and data transfer techniques use a single external coil and a single implantable coil. The external coil is part of an external resonant circuit, while the implantable coil is part of an implantable resonant circuit. The external coil is configured to transcutaneously transfer power and data to the implantable coil using separate (different) power and data time slots. At least one of the external or internal resonant circuit is substantially more damped during the data time slot than during the power time slot.

Abstract: An external charger for an implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed including a three-axis magnetic field sensor at the center of a primary charging coil. The sensor first senses a magnetic charging field produced by the coil with no IMD present (vector A). The sensor then senses the field in useful operation when such field is being provided to the IMD (vector B). From these vectors, a vector C is calculated representing the magnetic field reflected from the IMD. Vector C can be used to determine a vector D, representing the position of the IMD in physical space relative to the external charger. Information comprising one or more volumes can be stored in the external charger, and compared with vector D to determine whether charger-to-IMD positioning will provide an adequate amount of power to the IMD, and/or to provide an indication of charger-to-IMD alignment.

Abstract: A charging system for an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed having a charging coil and one or more sense coils preferably housed in a charging coil assembly coupled to an electronics module by a cable. The charging coil is preferably a wire winding, while the sense coils are preferably formed in one or more traces of a circuit board. One or more voltages induced on the one or more sense coils can be used to determine a phase angle between the voltage and a driving signal for the charging coil. The determined phase angle can then be used to determine the position of the charging coil relative to the IMD. Additionally, more than one parameter (phase angle, magnitude, resonant frequency) may be determined using the voltage may be used to determine position, including the radial offset and depth of the charging coil relative to the IMD.

Abstract: A defibrillation system for the administration of a dual sequential defibrillation and/or simultaneous defibrillation therapy. A first defibrillation device is inductively coupled to a second defibrillation device. An energy delivery of the first defibrillation device generating, or causing to be generated, an artifact that is received by the second defibrillation device. The artifact causing a sync mode, or sync mode circuitry, of the second defibrillation device to administer a second energy delivery. The second energy delivery can be delayed relative to the energy delivery by the first defibrillation device.

Abstract: Combined methods for treating a patient using time-varying magnetic field are described. The treatment methods combine various approaches for aesthetic treatment. The methods are focused on enhancing a visual appearance of the patient.

Abstract: A memory metal optical fiber puncture needle tubing includes an optical fiber, a body tube, a metal casing and a split-shaped needle. The optical fiber has a body portion and a head portion. The head portion has a cylindrical head portion and a tapered head portion. The body tube surrounds the body portion. The metal casing is wrapped around the cylindrical head portion. The split-shaped needle is made of memory metal surrounding a periphery of the tapered head portion. The split-shaped needle has a plurality of tapered petals. When a temperature of the split-shaped needle is T0, the tapered petals are in a closed state such that the split-shaped needle is conical. When the temperature of the split-shaped needle is T1, the tapered petals are in an opened state such that the tapered head portion of the optical fiber is exposed.

Abstract: One bracelet embodiment provides therapeutic blood irradiation at a first wrist region using a first module, and body temperature regulation/irradiation at a second wrist region using a second module. A connector couples one end of the modules together, while an attachment band releasably couples the second ends together, for attachment to the wrist. The first module includes first and second distributed pluralities of lights respectively emitting 850 and 660 nm wavelengths, and a third plurality emitting 630 nm, 532 nm, and 450 nm wavelengths, positioned in a row substantially parallel to the arm of the user. The second module includes first and second rows of lights on first and second sides of a cooling unit, each emitting 405 nm wavelengths, with the two rows positioned for penetration to the radial and ulnar arteries. The bracelet includes a microprocessor, LED screen, and firmware for displaying a GUI permitting treatment protocol selections.

Abstract: A method for treating skin tissues including irradiating the skin tissues with infrared light between about 16 and about 72 hours prior to photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable non-invasive system, apparatus and method for performing light therapy or photobiomodulation upon the brain tissues through the skull and/or nostrils of a living mammalian subject for the medical purpose of stimulating the brain in-vivo. The present invention utilizes the transcranial and/or intranasal pathways as points of anatomic access and follows established principles for the conceptual approach that irradiation of the brain tissue with low level light energy of certain fixed parameters would achieve major therapeutic effects in-vivo.

Abstract: A system or method for radiation treatment optimized for non-coplanar delivery, which includes a first collimator affixed to a gantry and a second collimator movably attached to the gantry to provide the second collimator a translation movement out of a gantry rotation plane. The system or method also includes a third collimator configured to collimate the beam in a direction of a target in the patient's body. The beam collimated by the third collimator is configured to follow the target during treatment. A method of performing rotation setup correction by rotating the treatment beam, without rotating the patient.

Abstract: Some implementations provide a method that includes: placing a human subject on a moveable platform located in a room with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner and a radiation therapy machine; moving the platform into a first position such that the human subject is positioned to be imaged by MRI; operating the MRI scanner while the platform is in the first position to obtain an image of the human subject; moving the platform into a second position such that the human subject is in position to receive radiation therapy from the radiation therapy machine; reducing the magnetic field such that the magnetic field at the radiation therapy machine is below a threshold value; and while the platform is in the second position and the magnetic field at the radiation therapy machine is below the threshold value, operating the radiation therapy machine to perform radiation therapy on the human subject.

Abstract: Cosmetic agents including a combination of at least two different active ingredients are provided herein. In one example, a cosmetic agent includes 2-butyloctanoic acid and at least one polyglyceryl-3 ester of a fatty acid in a cosmetically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Shell-structured particles for sunscreen applications are provided herein. A method includes selecting one or more particles to serve as a core material in a sunscreen composition, wherein each of the one or more particles comprises a band gap within a predetermined range, and wherein said selecting is based on a desired absorption spectrum of the sunscreen composition; coating the one or more particles with at least one layer of zinc oxide. A composition includes selecting one or more particles to serve as a coating layer in a sunscreen composition, wherein each of the one or more particles comprises a band gap within a predetermined range, and wherein said selecting is based on a desired absorption spectrum of the sunscreen composition; and coating one or more zinc oxide particles with the one or more selected particles.

Abstract: An air delivery hose (10) has a CBRN resistant outer butyl rubber layer (12) convolute over a metal wire reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane inner hose (14). A combination unit respirator (20) has an air delivery hose (10, 10?) with a proximal end (22) with a three position lockable switch (40) that allows selection of APR, PAPR or SCBA modes, and a distal end (24) with a compact demand valve (30) responsive to the switch position. A filter cover accessory (60) is a modular accessory to a PAPR manifold that protects a PAPR filter (62) from premature degradation in harsh environments.