Abstract: A system and method for positioning a modular heart pump about the ventricles of the heart. The modular heart pump has at least one active panel and an apical base. Each active panel includes an inflatable membrane. The apical base helps retain the active panels on position about the heart. The components are assembled in vivo to create a pump assembly that encircles all or part of the heart. During installation, the active panels are advanced along the outside of the ventricles. Suction is provided on the leading edge of the active panels to remove any fluids and/or loose tissue that may prevent the active panel from advancing to an operable position.

Abstract: Some embodiments of percutaneous ventricular assist devices have a two-part design that includes a housing component and a separately deployable rotatable inner catheter component. The housing component can include an expandable pump housing. The inner catheter can include an expandable pump impeller and an associated flexible drive shaft. The drive shaft can be coupled to a motor located external to the patient. The motor can rotate the drive shaft to spin the pump impeller inside of the pump housing, causing blood to be pumped within the patient. In some embodiments, the pump impeller is inflatable or self-expandable. The two-part percutaneous ventricular assist devices with inflatable or self-expandable pump impellers are designed to have very small delivery profiles. Accordingly, various deployment modalities, including radial artery deployment, are practicable using the two-part percutaneous ventricular assist devices described herein.

Abstract: An attachment device has a sewing ring frame and a locking mechanism movably mounted on the sewing ring frame. The locking mechanism includes a biasing element projecting from the outer surface of the sewing ring frame and a slide substantially co-planar to the sewing ring frame. The slide further includes a first mating member. Additionally, the locking mechanism includes at least one guide member overlapping the slide and a locking pin disposed between the slide and the sewing ring frame. The biasing element is movably coupled to the locking pin and the slide and is transitionable between a first configuration in which the first mating member is in a disengaged position to a second configuration in which the first mating member is in an engaged position.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for more accurate remote monitoring of a user's body to stabilize the user during fall events and to thereby prevent the user from falling. In some embodiments, a wearable device comprising a power source, one or more sensors configured to monitor a user's COG (COG), at least one plurality of electrodes, a communications interface and a control device is provided. The wearable device is configured to apply electrical pulses according to defined electrical pulse stimulation protocols via the electrodes to target muscle groups of the user's body, causing those target muscle groups to contract and thereby stabilize the user's body during a fall event.

Abstract: An unattended approach can increase the reproducibility and safety of the treatment as the chance of over/under treating of a certain area is significantly decreased. On the other hand, unattended treatment of uneven or rugged areas can be challenging in terms of maintaining proper distance or contact with the treated tissue, mostly on areas which tend to differ from patient to patient (e.g. facial area). Delivering energy via a system of active elements embedded in a flexible pad adhesively attached to the skin offers a possible solution. The unattended approach may include delivering of multiple energies to enhance a visual appearance.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for controlling a deep brain stimulation system. Internal sensor data is received for a group of internal parameters that relate to an operation of the deep brain stimulation system. The internal sensor data is generated by an internal sensor system. External sensor data is received for a group of external parameters for an environment around the device. The external sensor data is generated by an external sensor system. The internal sensor data and the external sensor data are analyzed with aggregated internal sensor data and aggregated external sensor data for deep brain stimulation systems of a same class as the deep brain stimulation system to generate results. An operation of the device is controlled based on the results.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for treating at least one of rhinitis, congestion, and/or rhinorrhea to thereby reduce or eliminate symptoms associated therewith, including, but not limited to, coughing, sneezing, nasal or throat irritation and itching, and difficulty sleeping. The device includes an elongate body, a retractable and expandable multi-segment end effector, and handle, that, as a whole, provide a high level of precise control and feedback to an operator during a procedure. The elongate body includes an electrode array provided along a length thereof configured to deliver energy to specific target sites within the nasal passage and nasal cavity in conjunction with neuromodulation provided by the multi-segment end effector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various spinal cord stimulation devices with thin film components, including a device having a flexible section disposed along a length of the elongate lead body of the device. Other stimulation devices have a flexible section disposed within the electrode body of the device. Further devices include both a flexible section disposed within the elongate lead body and a flexible section disposed within the electrode body of the device.

Abstract: An introducing device for locating a tissue region and deploying an electrode is shown and described. The introducing device may include an outer sheath. An inner sheath may be disposed within the outer sheath. The inner sheath may be configured to engage an implantable electrode. In an example, the inner sheath may comprise a stimulation probe having an uninsulated portion at or near a distal end of the delivery sheath. The outer sheath may be coupled to a power source or stimulation signal generating circuitry at a proximal end. A clinician may control application of the stimulation signal to a tissue region via the outer sheath.

Abstract: A method for aesthetic soft tissue treatment includes placing at least one applicator in contact with the patient's body. The applicator has at least one electrode. Electrotherapy and radio frequency therapy are provided to the soft tissue, optionally with overlay or sequentially. A handheld applicator may be used, with the applicator moving during the therapy, which may provide muscle stimulation in the patient, or provide an analgesic effect during the treatment. A spacing object may be positioned between the skin of the patient and the applicator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods useful in training dogs how to control the muscles involved in rotation of the tibia in order to reduce the risk of cranial cruciate rupture. The invention has further applications in training dogs to increase abduction of the hind limbs to avoid hip dysplasia, as well as abduction of the front limbs to avoid elbow dysplasia.

Abstract: In methods and devices for treating a body canal or cavity, an internal applicator has an insertable part or section for insertion into the body canal or cavity (e.g. vagina or anal canal) and non-insertable part which may be detachable from a handle or second part of the device. The insertable part may include a plurality of energy delivery elements, optionally spaced apart in an array. During treatment the insertable part is positioned into or onto the body canal or cavity. The treatment may then proceed without additional movement of the insertable part. The energy delivery elements may be activated in predetermined order.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for a neuromodulation treatment of a low urinary tract dysfunction. The neuromodulation method comprises attaching at least one active electrode to at least one leg of the patient in the back of the knee area in an expected location of a peroneal nerve of the at least one leg. Attaching a grounding electrode to the patient's body. Generating electrical pulses by a pulse generator connected to the at least one active electrode and the grounding electrode. Controlling via a control unit a flow of the generated electrical pulses to the at least one active electrode and stimulating by the at least one active electrode the peroneal nerve of the at least one leg of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus, for use with a cochlear implant having a magnet and implanted within a patient having first and second ears, includes a first splint and a strap system, including at least a forehead strap and a chin strap, configured to position the first splint behind the first ear.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes a frame defining a perimeter and having a center region, at least one tensioning member in the center region of the frame and being held by the frame, and an earpiece connected to the tensioning member in the center region of the frame. The frame is configured to generally rest on a head and around an ear of the subject such that the earpiece is positioned in the ear canal of the subject and the tensioning member exerts a force on the earpiece toward the ear canal of the subject.

Abstract: An electrotherapeutic device for treating a visual disease using microcurrent stimulation is provided. The device includes a signal generator in which a waveform controller digitally controls a waveform signal source so as to generate a waveform in which one or more waveform parameters (e.g., pulse width, pulse period, pulse position, pulse coding, peak current amplitude, duty cycle, and/or pulse shape) are varied in accordance with a protocol for treating a visual disease. The device also includes an applicator connected to the signal generator and configured to apply the waveform to at least one stimulation point within an eye region.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and techniques are described for using evoked compound action potential (ECAP) signals to determine an implant location for a lead. An example method includes receiving first information representative of a first evoked compound action potential (ECAP) signal sensed in response to a first control stimulus delivered to a first location adjacent to a spinal cord of a patient. The method also includes receiving, second information representative of a second ECAP signal in response to a second control stimulus delivered to a second location adjacent to the spinal cord of the patient. Additionally, the method includes outputting a first indication of the first information representative of the first ECAP signal and a second indication of the second information representative of the second ECAP signal.

Abstract: A data file system includes one or more files about a patient wearing a wearable cardiac defibrillator (WCD) system that has been assigned to them. The one or more files contain at least one patient identifier of the patient, compliance data about a history of the patient's wearing the WCD system, and possibly other data. The data file system can be accessed through a communication network when the patient uses a communication device. When so accessed, some of the contents can be viewed on a screen of the device, for example in the form of a website. In embodiments, the health care provider and friends and family can view such data and even enter inputs, which may create a situation that motivates the patient to comply better.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a hermetically-sealed package and a method of forming such package are disclosed. The package includes a housing that extends along a housing axis between a first end and a second end, where the housing includes first and second opaque portions and a transparent portion disposed between the first and second opaque portions. The first opaque portion is hermetically sealed to a first end of the transparent portion and the second opaque portion is hermetically sealed to a second end of the transparent portion. At least one of the first and second opaque portions is hermetically sealed to the transparent portion by a weld ring. The package further includes a power source disposed within the housing, and an inductive coil disposed at least partially within the transparent portion of the housing and electrically connected to the power source.

Abstract: Methods and devices for managing establishment of a communications link between an external instrument (EI) and an implantable medical device (IMD) are provided. The methods and devices comprise storing, in memory in at least one of the IMD or the EI an advertising schedule defining a pattern for advertisement notices. The advertisement notices are distributed un-evenly and separated by unequal advertisement intervals. The method transmits, from a transmitter in at least one of the IMD or the EI the advertisement notices. The advertisement notices are distributed as defined by the advertising schedule. The method establishes a communication session between the IMD and the EI.

Abstract: A wearable cardiac defibrillator (“WCD”) system may include a support structure that a patient can wear, an energy storage module that can store an electrical charge, and a discharge circuit that can discharge the electrical charge through the patient so as to shock him or her, while the patient is wearing the support structure. Embodiments may actively take into account bystanders, both to protect them from an inadvertent shock, and also to enlist their help. In some embodiments, the WCD system includes a speaker system and a memory. Prompts have been saved in advance in the patient's own voice, and stored in the memory. In case of an emergency, the prompts may be played by the speaker system in the patient's own voice, and heard by a bystander.

Abstract: An invention and method that generate dynamical shaped voltage-gradient geometries through a plurality of dual-modal electrode-contacts placed around the biological tissue in vivo. The geometry of the voltage gradient is optimized through a feedback mechanism from the plurality of dual-modal electrode-contacts that can record electric and magnetic field potentials in the biological tissue. A control controls the waveform signal between sets of electrode-contacts to generate dynamically shaped voltage gradients to modulate a specific set of properties in the biological tissue. A method of analysis for the recorded electric and magnetic field potentials is purposed to optimize the shape of the voltage-gradient geometry through modulation of the waveform signal that is sent through the dual-modal electrode-contacts.

Abstract: A subcutaneous device that includes an electronics-containing housing and a clip configured to anchor the device to an internal structural body component of a patient is injected and anchored to the structural body component. An instrument pre-loaded with the device is caused to be inserted through an incision in the patient and advanced to the structural body component. A pushing force is received on the instrument that causes the clip of the device to be pushed onto the structural body component so that the structural body component is located in a sandwiching region between a top portion of the clip and the housing of the device. Force is applied to the structural body component between the top portion of the clip and the housing of the device to anchor the device to the structural body component.

Abstract: Presented herein are implantable medical devices that include an insulator extending through a hermetically-sealed biocompatible housing. A plurality of feedthrough pins, which include at least a first feedthrough pin, a second feedthrough pin, and at least one ground feedthrough pin extend through the insulator. An electrically shielding member is disposed at the outer surface of the insulator so as to provide a grounding barrier between the first and second feedthrough pins.

Abstract: A delivery device, a cardiac pacing device and a fixation structure are disclosed. The fixation structure includes a casing, a driving member and an elastic member. The casing has a first internal cavity and a slot, and the driving member is partially received in the first internal cavity in such a manner that one end of the driving member protrudes out of the first internal cavity from a proximal end thereof and is detachably connected to the driving sheath. The elastic member is accommodated in the first internal cavity in such a manner that its one end is coupled to the driving member and the other end extends outwardly from the driving member and is inserted in the slot. The driving member is configured for fitted connection with the casing while being able to move in an axial direction of the casing to drive the elastic member to move in the slot, thereby causing the elastic member to protrude out of or move back into the slot.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to transmit wireless energy from an external energy transmitting device placed externally to a human body to an internal energy receiver placed internally in the human body is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first electric circuit to supply electrical pulses to the external transmitting device, said electrical pulses having leading and trailing edges. The electrical circuit is adapted to perform at least one of the following: vary the lengths of first time intervals between successive leading and trailing edges of the electrical pulses and/or the lengths of second time intervals between successive trailing and leading edges of the electrical pulses, and vary the first and second time intervals to have lengths in the range of, that are in the magnitude of order of or are shorter than, a time constant of the first electric circuit, and a relationship or proportion between the lengths of the first and second time intervals.

Abstract: A method for controlling charging a power source of an implantable medical device (IMD) in a patient including determining a power being delivered to a primary coil of an external charging device for recharging, determining an estimated power delivered to the IMD power source an estimated heat generated by the primary coil based on a resistance of the primary coil determined as function of at least one of a recharge frequency, a temperature of the primary coil, and a current supplied to the primary coil, calculating an estimated heat generated by the IMD by subtracting the estimated heat generated by the primary coil and the estimated power delivered stored by the rechargeable power source from the power being delivered to a primary coil; and controlling based on the heat generated by the IMD, the power being delivered by the primary coil of the external charging device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are implantable medical devices and systems, and methods for used therewith, that selectively perform atrial overdrive pacing while an intrinsic atrial rate of a patient is within a specified range. Such a method can involve measuring intervals between a plurality of intrinsic atrial depolarizations that occur during a specified period, and classifying intrinsic atrial activity as stable or unstable based on the measured intervals. In response to classifying the intrinsic atrial activity as stable, atrial overdrive pacing is performed. In response to classifying the intrinsic atrial rate as unstable, atrial overdrive pacing is not performed (i.e., is abstained from being performed). Over time, effectiveness of performing atrial overdrive pacing using various different atrial interval shorting deltas are recorded in a log and updated, and the log is used to determine a preferred rate at which to perform atrial overdrive pacing for various different measured intervals.

Abstract: Provided are conformable light delivery devices for increasing light penetration depth and related methods. The device comprises a tissue penetrating member having a distal end and a proximal end, the tissue penetrating member configured to penetrate the tissue of the patient to be inserted into the tissue, wherein the tissue penetrating member is at least partially optically transparent along a surface of the tissue penetrating member positioned between the distal end of the tissue penetrating member and the proximal end of the tissue penetrating member to provide optical transmission of at least a portion of the light through the surface of the tissue penetrating member, thereby allowing at least the portion of the light to be delivered into the tissue of the patient when the tissue penetrating member is inserted into the tissue; and a substrate that supports the tissue penetrating member.

Abstract: A photo-thermal targeted treatment system for damaging a target embedded in a medium includes a controller and a photo-thermal treatment unit including a light source. The controller is configured for administering a treatment protocol using the light source at a preset power setting and a preset pulse timing setting. Also, a method for automatically initiating a treatment protocol using a photo-thermal targeted treatment system includes administering a cooling mechanism at a treatment location, monitoring a skin surface temperature at the treatment location and, when the skin surface temperature reaches a preset threshold, automatically initiating the photo-thermal treatment protocol.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for reduction of muscle fatigue, enhancement of wound healing and tissue repair and/or reduction of pain. The methods comprise irradiating a muscle or an injured tissue of a subject, as applicable, with pulsed blue and/or red light having an average irradiance that ranges from 0.1 mW/cm2 to 20 mW/cm2 at a radiant exposure that ranges from 0.5 J/cm2 to 60 J/cm2. The pulsed blue and/or red light is preferably applied with a flexible light source that includes a flexible light emitter positioned between a flexible anode and a flexible cathode. The flexible light emitter may comprise a printed LED film or OLEDs that emit blue and/or red light, or a printed LED film or OLEDs that emit blue light in combination with a quantum dot film that converts a portion of the blue light emission into red light.

Abstract: Wirelessly powered photodynamic therapy devices are disclosed and systems and methods using such devices are also disclosed. In an embodiment, a photodynamic therapy system comprises: an implantable illumination device comprising a light source configured to emit light having a spectrum which overlaps with an absorption peak of an absorption target and a receiver antenna coupled to the light source and configured to extract power from a radiofrequency power signal incident on the implantable illumination device; and a transmitter comprising an antenna, a powering module configured to generate a drive signal which causes the antenna to generate the radiofrequency power signal, and a dosimetry module coupled to the antenna and configured to detect a radiofrequency signal backscattered from the implantable illumination device and determine an indication of the power extracted by the implantable illumination device from the radiofrequency signal backscattered from the implantable illumination device.

Abstract: Interstitial brachytherapy is a cancer treatment in which radioactive material is placed directly in the target tissue of the affected site using an afterloader. The accuracy of this placement is monitored in real time using a urinary catheter that locates the radioactive material according to the radiation levels measured by sensors in the walls of the urinary catheter. A scintillator that is embedded in the walls of the urinary catheter produces light when irradiated by the radioactive material. This light is proportional to the level of radiation at each location. The light produced by each scintillator is carried through optical fibers and then converted to an electrical signal that is proportional to the light and the radiation level at each location. The radioactive material is located according to the plurality of electrical signals. This location can be used as quality control feedback to the afterloader.

Abstract: The effects of acute toxicity from a radiation procedure can be reduced without altering the radiation dose. Instead, a radiation procedure can be weighted to deliver certain amounts of radiation per day through temporal feathering. A target volume for a radiation procedure can be determined based on at least one image. The radiation procedure includes a total dose of radiation to be administered in a time period. An organ outside of the target volume at risk of acute toxicity from the radiation procedure can be determined based on the at least one image. A sequence plan that ensures the total dose of radiation is administered in the time period can be calculated. The sequence plan includes one day of a high fractional dose of radiation and four days of a low fractional dose of radiation. The sequence accomplishes temporal feathering of the radiation therapy procedure.

Abstract: A method for delivering radiation treatment may include defining a preliminary trajectory including a plurality of control points. Each control point may be associated with position parameters of a gantry and a couch. The method may also include generating a treatment plan based on the preliminary trajectory by optimizing an intensity and position parameters of a collimator and MLC leaves for each control point. The method may also include decomposing the treatment plan into a delivery trajectory including the plurality of control points. Each of the plurality of control points may be further associated with the optimized intensity, the optimized position parameters of the collimator and the MLC leaves, an output rate, and a motion parameter of each of the gantry, the couch, the collimator, and the MLC leaves. The method may further include instructing a radiation delivery device to deliver the treatment plan according to the delivery trajectory.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating radiotherapy treatment machine parameters based on projection images of a target anatomy. The systems and methods include operations including receiving a set of pairs of image data for each gantry angle of a radiotherapy treatment machine, wherein each pair of the set of pairs comprises a given projection image that represents a view of an anatomy of a subject from a given gantry angle and a given graphical aperture image of multi-leaf collimator (MLC) leaf positions at the given gantry angle based on the given projection image; training a generative adversarial network (GAN) model based on the set of pairs of image data for each gantry angle; and using the trained GAN model to predict an aperture image of MLC leaf positions for a desired gantry angle based on a projection image that represents a view of an anatomical region of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for patient setup and registration for the irradiation of target tissue regions. A method for positioning a patient for radiation therapy may include acquiring an image of a first patient target region and a second patient target region. A first set of patient position-shift vectors may be calculated based on the acquired image and a treatment planning image of the first patient target region. A second set of patient position-shift vectors may be calculated based on the acquired image, a treatment planning image of the second patient target region, and the first set of patient position-shift vectors. The patient may be positioned according to the first set of patient position-shift vectors in a first location. The patient may be moved to a second location and positioned according to the second set of patient position-shift vectors.

Abstract: Subject positioning systems and methods are provided. A method may include obtaining first information of at least part of a subject when the subject is located at a preset position, and determining, based on the first information, a first position of each of one or more feature points located on the at least part of the subject. The method may include obtaining, using an imaging device, second information of the at least part of the subject when the subject is located at a candidate position. The method may further include determining, based on the second information, a second position of each of the one or more feature points, a first distance between the first position and the second position for each feature point of the one or more feature points, and a target position of the subject based at least in part on the one or more first distances.

Abstract: A method of operating a radiation apparatus is described. The method includes selecting at least a first angle and a second angle from a set of angles for a first rotation of a gantry of a radiation apparatus. The method also includes generating, using an imaging device mounted to the gantry, a first tracking image of a target from the first angle during the first rotation of the gantry. The method further includes generating, using the imaging device, a second tracking image of the target from the second angle during the first rotation of the gantry.

Abstract: A method of radiation therapy comprises, while a gantry of a radiation therapy system rotates continuously in a first direction through a treatment arc from a first treatment delivery position to a second treatment delivery position, causing an imaging X-ray source mounted on the gantry to direct X-rays through a target volume and receiving a set of X-ray projection images from an X-ray imager mounted on the gantry; determining a current location of the target volume based on the set of X-ray projection images; and while the gantry to continues to rotate to the second treatment delivery position, initiating delivery of a treatment beam of a treatment-delivering X-ray source mounted on the gantry to the target volume, and continuing to cause the gantry to rotate in the first direction from the second treatment delivery position to a third treatment delivery position.

Abstract: A support structure for placement on or about a subject's head supports an ultrasound transducer array configured to deliver transcranial stimulation to a specified region or regions of the subject's brain using pre-recorded neurostimulation data. The pre-recorded neurostimulation data comprises patterns of stimulation of the specified region or regions of the subject's brain or other person's brain developed to recreate a response by one or more of a sensing organ or sensing organs, a vestibular system, and a memory of the subject. A magnetic sensor array is mounted to the support structure and configured to transcranially sense local magnetic fields emanating from the specified region or regions of the subject's brain caused by delivery of the transcranial stimulation and produce contemporaneous neurostimulation data developed using the transcranially sensed local magnetic fields. Electronic circuitry comprising a controller is configured to control operation of the respective arrays.

Abstract: Transrectal ultrasound probe for boiling histotripsy ablation of prostate are presented herein. In one embodiment, a method for a transrectal ultrasound treatment uses high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The method includes: generating a boiling histotripsy (BH) therapy ultrasound by a therapy transducer in a frequency range of 1 MHz to 2.8 MHz and a surface intensity range of 10 W/cm2 to 80 W/cm2. The therapy transducer may be about 50 mm long and about 35 mm wide. The method also includes applying the therapy ultrasound by directing ultrasound pulses having ultrasound shock waves to a target tissue at a focal depth of 2.5 cm to 5.5 cm; generating at least one ?m-scale vapor bubble at a target region; growing the at least one vapor bubble to at least one mm-scale bubble; and mechanically disintegrating a surrounding tissue by interactions between mm-scale bubbles and the ultrasound shock waves within a pulse.

Abstract: A mask for use at an operating pressure substantially equal to atmospheric pressure includes a body with a three-dimensional shaped chamber that is configured to receive a user's mouth and nares and operate at the operating pressure. The mask also includes a nose portion having an uppermost portion sized to avoid contact with the user's nasal ridge and to contact the user's nose along the user's sagittal plane and around at least a portion of the user's nares on an inferior side of the user's nose inferior to the user's nasal ridge. The nose portion is constructed from an at least partially impermeable material to limit airflow toward the user's eyes in use. The mask also includes a positioning and stabilising structure to provide a force to hold the seal forming structure in position against the user.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psig, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psi, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A respirator includes a head unit configured to be received on a human head and a purifying unit configured to provide purified air to the head unit. The purifying unit includes a first housing portion having an interior side defining a blower cavity, an exterior side defining a partial filter chamber with a filter sealing surface, and an inlet hole circumscribed by the sealing surface and extending between the interior and exterior sides. A second housing portion has an interior side defining a blower cavity. The first and second housings are attached to each other to form a housing such that the blower cavities are opposite each other to define a blower chamber within the housing. A blower is disposed in the blower chamber. A filter covers over the inlet hole and is disposed against the sealing surface such that air entering the hole passes through the filter.

Abstract: Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher are disclosed. The improvements allow for frequent and simplified maintenance of a fire extinguisher with minimal training and without need for custom equipment. The improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that can be articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. These features will extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition.

Abstract: Fire block devices for application to a wall component, a wall component with a fire block device and wall assemblies including the same. The fire-block device can be a wall component that includes a fire-resistant material strip that expands in response to sufficient heat to create a fire-resistant barrier. In some applications, the fire-block wall component is positioned to extend lengthwise along and across a gap between wallboard members. The fire-block wall component may have a central portion and a pair of side portions extending in opposite directions from the central portion. The fire-resistant material may be positioned on the central portion of the fire-block device. The central portion may be positioned within the gap such that the fire-resistant material expands in response to sufficient heat to create a fire-resistant barrier.

Abstract: Fire fighting system with a first feed platform arranged for feeding a pipe system having extinguishing nozzles with extinguishing fluid comprising a first sub-system with a first extinguishing fluid reservoir, at least two first propellant gas reservoirs, and a first control circuit, wherein the first propellant gas reservoirs each have a valve for pneumatically coupling the respective first propellant gas reservoir to the extinguishing fluid reservoir and the respective valves can be pneumatically activated in each case via an outlet of the respective other valve, a second sub-system having a second extinguishing fluid reservoir, at least two second propellant gas reservoirs and a second control circuit, the second propellant gas reservoirs each having a valve for pneumatically coupling the respective second propellant gas reservoir to the extinguishing fluid reservoir, and the respective valves being activatable pneumatically in each case via an outlet of the respective other valve, characterized in that t

Abstract: A deluge nozzle diversion apparatus can include a collection component having at least one wall that forms a collection cavity, where the collection component has a first end and a second end. The deluge nozzle diversion apparatus can also include an adjustable securing apparatus that is configured to secure the first end of the collection component to a deluge nozzle assembly of a deluge system when the adjustable securing apparatus is in a closed position. The deluge nozzle diversion apparatus can further include a diversion channel coupled to the second end of the collection component, where the diversion channel is adjustable and has a length sufficient to divert a fire protection fluid flowing therethrough to an alternative location. The collection cavity of the collection component can be configured to receive all of the fire protection fluid discharged from a deluge nozzle of the deluge system.