A heating apparatus includes a heating element which converts electrical power to heat energy, a heatable element having a first surface and a second surface, and a dielectric laminate layer between the heating element and the first surface of the heatable element, wherein the dielectric laminate layer is thermally conductive to transfer heat energy from the heating element to the heatable element, and wherein the second surface of the heatable element is configured heat a liquid in a container.

A system includes a converter configured to electrically couple to a power source and to a heating element of a vaporizer atomizer. The converter can be further configured to receive a first voltage from the power source and provide a second voltage to the heating element. The converter can be a direct-current to direct-current converter. A power monitor configured to electrically couple to the heating element, measure a current through the heating element, measure a voltage over the heating element, calculate a power and/or resistance, and output a control signal to the converter. The converter can be configured to be controlled by the control signal to vary the second voltage to maintain a target power or a target temperature over the heating element. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

A patient interface includes: a plenum chamber; a seal-forming structure; a positioning and stabilising structure; a plenum chamber insert configured to be positioned and retained within the plenum chamber; and a vent structure; wherein the plenum chamber insert has a plenum chamber insert port; wherein the plenum chamber insert has an exterior surface configured to be positioned adjacent to an interior surface of the plenum chamber; wherein when the plenum chamber insert is positioned and retained within the plenum chamber, a radial channel is formed by the interior surface of the plenum chamber and the exterior surface of the plenum chamber insert such that gas is able to pass between a patient-proximal side of the plenum chamber insert and a patient-distal side of the plenum chamber insert via the radial channel during use.

Medical devices and methods thereof for determining bacterial infections in blood. The medical devices and methods thereof can utilize a coating including an antibody conjugated to a reporter protein configured to indicate a bacterial infection in a patient's blood by way of an antigen thereof. Exemplary medical devices include, but are not limited to, a catheter assembly, an AV fistula needle set, an extension set for either a catheter assembly or an AV fistula needle set, and a hemodialysis tubing set. The medical devices and methods thereof can utilize immunochromatographic separation of the antibody and an antigen-antibody complex to indicate a bacterial infection in a patient's blood.

This disclosure provides a directional adjustment unit for a headgear for a respiratory mask The directional adjustment unit provides an increased resistance to extension of one or more straps of the headgear when the headgear is under tensile forces, as compared to a lower resistance to retraction of the one or more headgear straps. The directional adjustment unit comprises a movable frictional engagement member comprising an aperture, wherein the aperture is arranged to receive a filament of a strap of the headgear therethrough, wherein the frictional engagement member in a first configuration provides a disengaged or pre-activated configuration with respect to the filament, and in a second configuration provides an engaged configuration with respect to the filament. Features are provided which improve the operation of such a directional adjustment unit. These features include features to help resist bending of the filament inside the directional adjustment unit, features to vary frictional engagement between the frictional engagement member and the filament, and features to reduce sticking of the frictional engagement member in a given position.

A method of introducing a vapor of at least one substance into an inhalation flow path of a respiratory organ is provided. The method describes providing a carrier conformable to a surface of skin; providing the carrier with at least one substance; providing a barrier coupled to a surface of the carrier, the barrier being substantially impermeable to the substances carried by the carrier; providing a polyethylene coated material disposed within or atop the barrier and configured as a clamp for a septum of a user, wherein the polyethylene coated material is heat sealed within the barrier; and engaging the carrier to the surface of skin proximate an inhalation flow path of a respiratory organ with the barrier adapted to be interposed between the carrier and the skin to prevent the one or more substances from contacting the skin; wherein the substance is volatile and/or non-volatile; wherein the carrier is impregnated with nanocapsules during production. A vehicle for introducing a vapor is also provided.

A material includes a metallic, nanoporous structure having a plurality of nanopores having a porosity that allows passage of insulin but not IgG. The metallic nanoporous structure includes titanium, 316L stainless steel and may have a textured nano-sericeous surface. A nanoporous bicontinuous structure can be integrated with nanopores.

Environmental characteristics of habitable environments (e.g., hotel or motel rooms, spas, resorts, cruise boat cabins, offices, hospitals and/or homes, apartments or residences) are controlled to eliminate, reduce or ameliorate adverse or harmful aspects and introduce, increase or enhance beneficial aspects in order to improve a “wellness” or sense of “wellbeing” provided via the environments. Control of intensity and wavelength distribution of passive and active Illumination addresses various issues, symptoms or syndromes, for instance to maintain a circadian rhythm or cycle, adjust for “jet lag” or season affective disorder, etc. Air quality and attributes are controlled. Scent(s) may be dispersed. Hypoallergenic items (e.g., bedding, linens) may be used. Water quality is controlled. Noise is reduced and sounds (e.g., masking, music, natural) may be provided. Passive and active pathogen controls are employed. Controls are provided for the occupant and/or facility personnel, as is instruction, and surveys, including assessing wellness.

A puncture site patch includes: an elastomeric, self-sealing membrane with an exterior face and interior face; a spacer including an outer face and inner face, where the outer face of the spacer is coupled to the interior face of the membrane, and where the spacer further includes an aperture forming a cavity defined by the interior face of the membrane, spacer, and skin when applied to a user; an adhesive film that can adhere to skin, the adhesive film on the inner face of the spacer; at least one elongated tab that can move between a first position and a second position; where when in the first position the at least one elongated tab extends outward from a periphery of the spacer; and where when in the second position the puncture site patch is folded so that the aperture is sealed closed by the at least one elongated tab.

A container for storing and dispensing respiratory mask liners includes a housing defining a cavity therein and a cover arranged to be received on the housing, the cover including an upper face having an opening formed therein. The container further includes a lever having a first end and a second end, the lever first end pivotally connected to the cover for engaging and dispensing respiratory mask liners stored within the container through the opening.