Abstract: The present technology is generally directed to systems and methods for addressing a patient's sleep apnea. At least some embodiments include an electrode array and a controller. The electrode array can include one or more electrodes and can be configured to be implanted at least proximate to a target tissue of the patient in an orientation, with at least a vector component of the orientation aligned along an inferior-superior axis of the patient. The controller can be communicatively coupled to the electrode array and include one or more non-transitory, computer-readable media having instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of the controller, cause the controller to direct an electrical signal to be delivered by the electrode array to the target tissue.

Abstract: A method is provided including placing a nerve stimulator implant at an implant location in a patient's body in a vicinity of a target nerve. The nerve stimulator implant is activated to apply electrical stimulation to the target nerve. The following indications are received from the patient: (a) a remote-paresthesia indication of a presence or an absence of remote-site paresthesia caused by the electrical stimulation at a predetermined remote-paresthesia site of the body that is remote from the implant location, and (b) an adverse-effect indication of a presence or an absence of an adverse sensation caused by the electrical stimulation at an adverse-sensation site of the body that is not innervated by the portion of the target nerve. Depending on the indications, the nerve stimulator implant is adjusted, the implant location is adjusted, or the implantation of the nerve stimulator implant is completed without adjustment. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for stimulating the hypoglossal nerve (HGN) and phrenic nerve (PN) to treat OSA and CSA for a subject. The system includes an implantable pulse generator (IPG) coupled to a first electrode and a second electrode, where the first electrode is configured to stimulate a HGN of the subject and the second electrode is configured to stimulate a PN of the subject. The system does not require the detection and classification of an apneic event or hypopnea event, but rather commands a first electrode to stimulate the HGN to treat OSA and commands a second electrode to deliver an inspiration stimulation signal to stimulate the PN for treating CSA by driving a respiration pace for the subject. The first electrode is commanded to deliver the stimulation signal to stimulate the HGN according to the respiration pace driven by the inspiration stimulation signal.

Abstract: A device used for neurostimulation includes a plurality of electrodes. In order to improve therapeutic efficacy when using a group of N electrodes equal to or larger than 3, the device is configured to deliver a number of N+1 electrical phases during one cycle via the electrodes such that during N electrical phases of the cycle each electrode of the group delivers alternating a therapeutic electric phase and a number of N?1 charge balancing electric phases. One electrode of the group delivers its specific therapeutic electric phase and the other electrodes of the group deliver a charge balancing phase having an opposite polarity of the therapeutic electric phase delivered, and such that during an additional electrical phase each electrode of the plurality of electrodes delivers an electrical phase with an amplitude that establishes charge neutrality for residual charge on each respective electrode based on phases of the N other electrical.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision for systems and methods for individualized targeting of deep brain stimulation (DBS). In addition, methods for monitoring the treatment of a subject using a DBS system are described.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a system for neuromodulation applications, in particular for monitoring and/or adaption of neuromodulation, comprising at least one electrode device with at least one stimulation electrode and at least one recording electrode, at least one control unit, and at least one sensor unit for determining sensor data, in particular vital and/or non-vital parameters of the patient. The control unit is configured to adapt and/or initiate a neuromodulation treatment, in particular an application of electrical pulses via the at least one stimulation electrode, on basis of current signals and/or voltage signals as determined by the at least one recording electrode and/or on basis of sensor data as provided by the at least one sensor unit.

Abstract: An implantable medical device configured to provide for an intracardiac function comprises a body, a sensor arrangement arranged on the body and configured to receive a cardiac sense signal, and a processing circuitry operatively connected to the sensor arrangement. The processing circuitry is configured to process the cardiac sense signal received using the sensor arrangement to monitor the cardiac sense signal to detect whether a start criterion is fulfilled, wherein the start criterion is fulfilled if at least one signal sample (s(i?3) . . . s(i+3)) of the cardiac sense signal is smaller than a start threshold, and to start an atrial detection window for detecting, within the atrial detection window, a signal deflection of the cardiac sense signal potentially indicative of an atrial event, based on whether the detection criterion is fulfilled.

Abstract: Implantable medical systems enter an exposure mode of operation, either manually via a down linked programming instruction or by automatic detection by the implantable system of exposure to a magnetic disturbance. A controller then determines the appropriate exposure mode by considering various pieces of information including the device type including whether the device has defibrillation capability, pre-exposure mode of therapy including which chambers have been paced, and pre-exposure cardiac activity that is either intrinsic or paced rates. Additional considerations may include determining whether a sensed rate during the exposure mode is physiologic or artificially produced by the magnetic disturbance. When the sensed rate is physiologic, then the controller uses the sensed rate to trigger pacing and otherwise uses asynchronous pacing at a fixed rate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plug-in accessory for operating a mobile device as an external controller for an Implantable Medical Device (IMD). The accessory includes a connector insertable into a port on the mobile device. Accessory circuitry can be powered by a battery or by the mobile device. An application on the mobile device in conjunction with the accessory configures the mobile phone for immediate use as an IMD external controller. When the accessory is inserted into the port or a switch on the accessory pressed, the application operates to validate the accessory; to unlock the phone; to secure the mobile device; and to render a graphical user interface on the mobile device for communicating with the IMD. The accessory can additionally include telemetry circuitry and an antenna for communicating with the IMD, rather than using short-range communication means provided in the mobile device itself.

Abstract: A communication system for establishing an intra-body communication comprises a multiplicity of implantable medical devices, each of the multiplicity of implantable medical devices comprising communication circuitry for communicating with another of the multiplicity of implantable medical devices using a first signaling technique. At least one external device comprises first communication circuitry for communicating with the multiplicity of implantable medical devices using said first signaling technique and second communication circuitry for communicating with a remote system using a second signaling technique different than the first signaling technique.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes an enclosure sleeve and a top cap. The enclosure sleeve comprises an enclosure wall with at least a portion of the enclosure wall comprising the grade 5 titanium and having a thickness between 0.007 inches and 0.009 inches. The enclosure sleeve includes an open top end and an open bottom end that is opposite the open top end. The top cap includes a feedthrough block, a first top cap end portion, and a second top cap end portion. The first top cap end portion is configured to couple to the open top end of the enclosure sleeve, and the second top cap end portion configured to be positioned within the enclosure sleeve.

Abstract: The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of artificial cardiac pacemakers, and particularly relates to a leadless left-bundle-branch pacemaker. The leadless left-bundle-branch pacemaker comprises a case and an implant core, wherein the implant core is coaxially arranged inside the case, and a head of the implant core can be rotated out from the inside of the case; the implant core has an implant end that can be rotated out from the inside of the case, and the length of the implant end rotated out from the inside of the case is greater than 10 mm; and an end of the case corresponding to the implant end is provided with a fixing end for fixing the pacemaker.

Abstract: Patient-operated treatment devices are described herein. An example device detects an electrocardiogram (ECG) of a subject and determines that the subject is operating a medical device. In response to determining that the subject is operating the medical device, the device monitors the subject for consciousness. If the device determines that the subject has become incapacitated while operating the device; it outputs a therapy to the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and programming for evaluating a medical workflow. For example, one or more images depicting a medical environment and a medical workflow performed in the medical environment may be received. Contextual information associated with the medical workflow may be determined, and a stage of the medical workflow may be identified, based on the one or more images. A subsequent stage of the medical workflow may be determined based on the identified stage, and first medical content associated with the contextual information and second medical content associated with the subsequent stage may be presented to one or more medical staff located within the medical environment.

Abstract: Accessories of a medical device, such as a defibrillator, are described. The accessories reduce delays in treating or monitoring a patient by increasing the efficiency of using, and the ease of use of, the medical device. An adjustable kickstand is movable between a collapsed and extended position to recline the medical device. In the reclined position, a display of the medical device can be more easily viewed by the user. Storage bags can be coupled to the medical device to efficiently store accessories for use with the medical device. The stored accessories can be coupled to the medical device while the accessories are stored within the storage bags. A port guard can protect and shield a connection between a cable and a port of the medical device to prevent the cable (e.g., an ECG cable) from being disconnected from the port of the medical device.

Abstract: A system comprises an electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes and a marker configured to be associated with skin of a patient for indicating a location on the skin for positioning the electrode array. The system can assist the patient in positioning the electrode array, particularly in areas where directly viewing the location is difficult.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of altering the electric impedance to an alternating electric field in a target site of a subject, comprising introducing a nanoparticle to a target site in the subject; and applying an alternating electric field to the target site of the subject, wherein the electric impedance in the target site of the subject to the alternating current is altered. Disclosed are methods for improving transport of a nanoparticle across a cell membrane of a cell, the method comprising applying an alternating electric field to the cell for a period of time, wherein application of the alternating electric field increases permeability of the cell membrane; and introducing the nanoparticle to the cell, wherein the increased permeability of the cell membrane enables the nanoparticle to cross the cell membrane.

Abstract: A method for treating conditions associated with thalamocortical dysrhythmia. The method includes applying transcranial low voltage electrical stimulation (TLVES) therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy to a patient in need thereof, and administering to the patient a dissociative anesthetic during the TLVES therapy or the TMS therapy. A number of conditions including tinnitus, depression and pain can be treated with TLVES or TMS in combination with the dissociative anesthetic, such as an NMADR inhibitor, including ketamine.

Abstract: An erythrocyte de-aggregation system includes a band, including a strap and housing securing an iron-cored, micro-coil to an appendage, such as a wrist, of a subject to apply a PEMF into a target vessel in the vascular system of the subject. Typically, all of the blood circulates about the body within a matter of a few minutes, some within seconds, thus treating the entire bloodstream over time. The portable PEMF system intensifies both the concentration of electromagnetic flux per unit area, as well as the depth of penetration into the body. The portable PEMF systems relies on the body's circulatory system to eventually pass the body's entire volume of blood past it over a period of time.

Abstract: A PEMF web using immersive, flux-guided, micro-coils to direct intense, deeply penetrating, magnetic flux into a subject from each micro-coil capable of pointing in an arbitrary direction. Micro-coils are spooled around iron cores, insulated properly, and soldered to connecting wires, all embedded in a polymeric resin, such as cold-cured silicone resin. Nodes protect, enclose, insulate electrically, and otherwise protect the micro-coils. Connectors between nodes provide mechanical stability against breaking of wires, while permitting folding, bending, buckling, and otherwise deflecting to position the nodes as desired with three degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems to facilitate treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders using transcranial magnetic stimulation. The methods and systems may provide for the decrease in the time needed to determine the motor threshold. The methods and systems generally reduce the complexity of obtaining a motor threshold while providing a more reliable and less intensive motor threshold determination process.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a photobiomodulation therapy garment having a garment structure configured to be worn by a user atop a skin surface with one or more near-infrared light sources integrated with the garment structure. The near-infrared light source is configured to emit near-infrared light directed to one or more regions of interest of the skin at a wavelength between 600 nm to 1600 nm and at a predetermined dosimetry and duration. A controller with a processor and memory is in communication near-infrared light source to control the operational parameters of the near-infrared light source.

Abstract: A method of, and system for, treatment of chronic and acute musculoskeletal conditions with therapeutic modalities is provided. The method and system treat an area of a body with a plurality of treatment sessions in which a treatment session thereof includes a synergistic combination of sequentially administered therapeutic modalities administered to the area of the body. The synergistic combination of sequentially administered therapeutic modalities includes laser therapy, capacitive resistive electric transfer therapy, shock wave therapy, and acoustical vibration therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for stimulating the biosynthesis of vitamin D3. The device comprises at least one first light source for emitting light radiation comprising wavelengths in a range of 280 nm to 315 nm. It further comprises a sensor unit for detecting an irradiation area, and a directing unit for aligning the at least one light source with the irradiation area. The device also comprises a control unit, which is designed to identify the irradiation area and to trigger an emission of light radiation comprising wavelengths in a range of 280 nm to 315 nm by the at least one light source. The present invention further comprises a computer program product for controlling such a device.

Abstract: Methods, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for implementing a photothermal therapy using nanostructures. In one aspect, a device to produce a photothermal effect includes a particle having a molecular layer functionalized onto the external surface of the particle and structured to attach to one or more targeting molecules capable of binding to a receptor site of a cell, in which the particle is configured to absorb light energy at a particular wavelength to produce a plasmon resonance effect that causes the particle to emit heat energy. In some implementations, the device is deployed in an organism having a tumor that includes a plurality of the cell and binds to the receptor site of the tumor by the targeting molecules, in which the light energy is emitted at a region of the organism that contains the tumor and the heat energy causes cellular death of the tumor cell.

Abstract: In variants, a neural interface system (e.g., retinal implant system, neural implant system, etc.) can include: a display, a controller, a power source, and/or any other suitable components. The system can be used with an external device including a communication element, a display-brain interface (e.g., cells), and/or any other suitable components.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods that facilitate safe heating of eyelids to treat dry eye are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus for optical heating of an eyelid of a patient includes: a housing configured to be grasped by a human hand; at least one light emitter coupled to the housing and configured to emit beams of infrared light; a waveguide component coupled to the at least one light emitter and configured to direct the beams of light toward the eyelid; and a scleral cover configured to couple to the housing, the scleral cover comprising: a curved protective portion configured to reflect infrared light emanating from the at least one light emitter.

Abstract: A device for surface brachytherapy includes a base configured for positioning a source with respect to a target area, an aperture defined in the base, and a shield body configured for coupling with the base, so that the source is secured within the base proximate or adjacent the aperture. The aperture is configured to transmit radiation emitted by the source, where the radiation is directed toward the target area. The base and shield body are configured to absorb at least a portion of the radiation emitted by the source, where the radiation is not directed toward the target area.

Abstract: Provided is a computer-implemented medical method of irradiation treatment planning that includes an algorithm, which calculates irradiation treatment plans and at the same time considers the combination of the deliverability of the calculated RT plans, the relevancy of the calculated RT plans, and a reasonably distinctiveness between said calculated plans regarding their respective 3D dose distribution. The method automatically calculates and automatically pre-selects some of the calculated plans in steps S1 to S4, which can then be provided to the user. Moreover, in step S5 the method provides a beneficial way of automatically grouping together plans, such as by sorting the calculated and pre-selected plans. By visualizing these automatically calculated, pre-selected and grouped plans in a particular way to the user, the final plan selection by the user is facilitated in a fast, reliable and medically safe manner.

Abstract: A control circuit optimizes an energy treatment plan (such as, but not limited to, a Flash energy treatment plan) to therapeutically treat a given patient's treatment volume with energy to provide an optimized energy treatment plan. The control circuit determines at least one delivered dose rate as regards applying the energy pursuant to the optimized energy treatment plan and then determines a quality assurance dose rate metric that corresponds to that at least one delivered dose rate. The control circuit then informs a user regarding information that corresponds to the quality assurance dose rate metric.

Abstract: Systems and methods for radiation treatment planning can include a computing system receiving one or more indications of one or more clinical objectives for a radiotherapy treatment plan, and determining, for each clinical objective, a corresponding quality metric interval. The computing system can determine within each quality metric interval, a corresponding sub-score function having a derivative determined based on one or more priorities of the one or more clinical objectives, and determine a quality score function for the radiotherapy treatment plan by aggregating sub-score functions within quality metric intervals corresponding to the one or more clinical objectives. The computing system can use the quality score function to adjust one or more parameters of an objective function for optimizing the radiotherapy plan.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems to train and execute a model that uses artificial intelligence methodologies to learn and predict dosages administrated to different structures during radiotherapy treatment. A method comprises receiving a value indicating a prioritization between a first organ at risk of a patient and a second organ at risk of the patient receiving radiation dosage; executing an artificial intelligence model using the value to predict a radiation dosage for the first organ at risk, the second organ at risk, and a target structure, wherein the artificial intelligence model is trained in accordance with a training dataset comprising a set of participants, dosage administered to the participant's target structure, first organ at risk, and second organ at risk; and outputting the predicted radiation dosage for at least one of the first organ at risk, the second organ at risk, and a target structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating radiotherapy machine parameters used in a radiotherapy treatment plan, based on machine learning prediction. The systems and methods include: obtaining three-dimensional image data which indicates target dose areas and organs-at-risk areas of a subject; generating anatomy projection images from the image data, each anatomy projection image providing a view from a respective beam angle of the radiotherapy treatment; using a trained neural network model (trained with corresponding pairs of anatomy projection images and control point images) to generate control point images, each control point image indicating an intensity and aperture(s) of a control point of the radiotherapy treatment to apply at a respective beam angle; and generating a set of final control points for use in the radiotherapy treatment to control a radiotherapy treatment machine, based on optimization of the control points indicated by the generated control point images.

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: 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: The disclosure provides a system for EGRT. The system may include a radiotherapy device for treating a subject. The radiotherapy device may include a scintillation camera that is directed at an ROI of the subject. The subject may be injected with a radioactive tracer or implanted with a radioactive marker before treatment. The ROI may undergo a physiological motion during the treatment. The system may deliver a treatment session to the subject by the radiotherapy device. During the treatment session, the system may acquire a target image of the ROI indicative of a distribution of the radioactive tracer or the radioactive maker in the ROI by the scintillation camera, and adapt a radiation beam to be delivered to the subject with respect to the physiological motion of the ROI by adjusting the radiation beam based on the target image.

Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus is disclosed herein comprising a rotatable ring-shaped gantry and a direct drive mechanism. The direct drive mechanism being configured to cause rotation of the rotatable ring-shaped gantry, wherein the direct drive mechanism is further configured to transmit torque directly to the rotatable ring-shaped gantry without intermediate transmission components.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a drug delivery system including a first surfactant and a second surfactant, the drug delivery system manufactured by using the method, and a contrast medium, wherein the first surfactant includes a polyethylene glycol based nonionic surfactant and the second surfactant includes a Tween-type surfactant or a SPAN-type surfactant. According to the present invention, the microbubble including the first surfactant, which includes a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based nonionic surfactant, and the second surfactant, which includes a Tween-type surfactant or a SPAN-type surfactant, may stably have uniform size distribution, may include high loading amount of drugs and dye on the surface of the delivery system, and thereby, may be efficiently used as a drug delivery system. Also, drug release may increase by ultrasonic wave, which is external stimulus, from the microbubble and thereby, more efficient drug delivery may be available.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating a value representing one of a risk and a progression of a cognitive disorder. The method includes acquiring a first image, representing a brain of a patient, from a first imaging system and acquiring a second image, representing one of a retina, an optic nerve, and a vasculature associated with one of the optic nerve and the retina of the patient, from a second imaging system. A representation of each of the first image and the second image are provided to a machine learning model. The value is generated at the machine learning model from the representation of the first image and the representation of the second image, and the patient is assigned to one of a plurality of intervention classes according to the generated value. An intervention is provided to the patient according to the assigned intervention class.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of producing ultrasound waves for providing sonodynamic therapy. The method includes coupling a sonodynamic therapy device with an array of piezoelectric transducer elements to a skin surface. A controller is configured to generate an electrical drive signal to produce ultrasound waves to activate a sonosensitizer in a treatment region without damaging healthy cells in the treatment region.

Abstract: A trans-cranial Focused Ultrasound System (tFUS) apparatus employs an ultrasonic stimulation beam that is guided by ultrasonic imaging or optical imaging to optimize a response of a subject during a procedure. The disclosed tFUS apparatus is operable without requiring either an MRI or a CT scan. The use of multiple transducers or transducer elements, including contralateral transducers, the use of ultrasonic and/or optical harmonics, the use of temporal windows, the use of a head atlas, motion tracking, LiDAR, and the use of aberration correction parameters may all be employed individually or in combination.

Abstract: A histotripsy therapy system configured for the treatment of tissue is provided, which may include any number of features. Provided herein are systems and methods that provide efficacious non-invasive and minimally invasive therapeutic, diagnostic and research procedures. In particular, provided herein are optimized systems and methods that provide targeted, efficacious histotripsy in a variety of different regions and under a variety of different conditions without causing undesired tissue damage to intervening/non-target tissues or structures.

Abstract: The skin treatment apparatus using high-intensity focused ultrasound according to the disclosure, the control method thereof, and the skin treatment method using the same, it is possible to shorten treatment time because a wide area is first heated and a target position is then heated to be remodeled when tissue is heated. Further, it is possible to have an improved recovering effect because activity of cells is enhanced. Further, it is possible to have effects on securing operation stability because a transducer is movable by magnetic force while environments inside a cartridge are independently maintained.

Abstract: A method of improving a cognitive disorder in a patient suffering therefrom is provided. The method includes diagnosing the patient with the cognitive disorder and applying a neuromodulation treatment, such as focused ultrasound, to a pulvinar nucleus of the patient. The method can include acquiring a clinical parameter associated with the patient and applying the neuromodulation treatment or adjusting application of the neuromodulation treatment to the pulvinar nucleus of the patient based on the clinical parameter.

Abstract: A facial mask device 1000 according to the present invention has a mask body 500 worn in close contact with the user's face and a space S is formed between inside of the mask body 500 and the user's face for storing air for the user's respiration. The mask body 500 has an inlet part 530 having an inlet 538 through which the purified air supplied by the purified air supply means is supplied into the space S and an outlet part 360 having an outlet 364 through which the purified air supplied into the space S is discharged.

Abstract: There is disclosed a valve assembly for a lung demand regulator of a breathing apparatus. The valve assembly comprises a regulator valve apparatus for regulating a flow of breathing gas, the regulator valve apparatus being actuatable between a closed position in which no flow is permitted and an open position in which flow is permitted. The valve assembly further comprises a lockout mechanism configurable in: i) a lockout configuration in which the regulator valve apparatus is secured in the closed position, and ii) a release configuration in which the regulator valve apparatus is freely moveable. The lockout mechanism comprises an axially compressible spring element. The lockout mechanism is configured such that the spring element is axially compressed during movement of the lockout mechanism between the release configuration and the lockout configuration. Also disclosed is a lung demand regulator and a breathing apparatus comprising a lung demand regulator.

Abstract: A respiratory system protection device comprises a helmet, which is hermetically connected to a mask, and also an apparatus for cleaning outgoing air, which apparatus is connected to the outlet of a discharge tube, wherein a valve for controlling the pressure of incoming air is installed at the inlet of a supply tube, and an apparatus for cleaning incoming air comprises a pump which, by means of the supply tube, feeds incoming air into the helmet under a pressure which is higher than atmospheric pressure, wherein the apparatus for cleaning the internal air is capable of cleaning the internal air of aggressive and biological substances.

Abstract: A D-ring, comprising a body having a first surface and a second surface and a plurality of apertures formed through first and second surfaces. The D-ring comprises two or more separate rated apertures for receiving a device or a connector to a device. A first aperture is formed through the first and second surfaces and positioned on the distal portion of the body. A second aperture is formed through the first and second surfaces such that the second aperture is adjacent to the first aperture. Additionally, there is a belt receiving aperture formed through said first and second surfaces positioned on the proximal portion of the body.

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: A breathing apparatus for use by the operator, is supplied with compressed air also used to manufacture the foam to be generated on site, and optionally run a pneumatic pump sucking up the foaming liquid, using suitable regulators. An automatic shut-off device is added to automatically cut off the supply elsewhere than to the breathing apparatus when the quantity of air available becomes low.