Abstract: A portable respiratory prompting device using simple visual and/or auditory means to indicate the onset of inspiration and expiration to prompt a subject into more desirable breathing patterns. Inspiration and expiration are indicated by LED's and simple high and low pitched “beep” sounds. The device is particularly suited for activating previously learned breathing patterns from visual biofeedback training. Optionally patients with Emphysema or Asthma may activate an button producing a prolonged expiratory phase to further lung deflation. It is also suited to prompt patients with Hyperventilation Syndrome attacks to slower breathing, and breathing control of subjects in stressful environments such as aircraft pilots or underwater divers, wherein an optional waterproof model is available. It may control breathing in a variety of applications such as pregnant subjects doing Lamaze breathing exercises and athletes in training.

Abstract: A portable respiratory prompting device using simple visual and/or auditory means to indicate the onset of inspiration and expiration to prompt a subject into more desirable breathing patterns. Inspiration and expiration are indicated by LED's and simple high and low pitched “beep” sounds. The device is particularly suited for activating previously learned breathing patterns from visual biofeedback training. Optionally patients with Emphysema or Asthma may activate an button producing a prolonged expiratory phase to further lung deflation. It is also suited to prompt patients with Hyperventilation Syndrome attacks to slower breathing, and breathing control of subjects in stressful environments such as aircraft pilots or underwater divers, wherein an optional waterproof model is available. It may control breathing in a variety of applications such as pregnant subjects doing Lamaze breathing exercises and athletes in training.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to monitor patient breathing during weaning from ventilator dependency to assure adequate performance and safety, and to provide visual respiratory biofeedback breathing patterns to prompt respiratory center neurologic signals to normal performance. The device permits setting desired breathing patterns within an optimal level of ventilation, and to establish and monitor a level of lowest permissible ventilation to define minimum safe levels of ventilation, and to permit definition of patient exhaustion and therefore need to terminate the weaning trial. The device may be used in weaning trials of spontaneous breathing, or in conjunction with ventilator assistive modes of all types. Used in conjunction with a plurality of ventilators the device may signal the ventilator to assist if the patient's attempts to breathe fall below predetermined safe levels of ventilation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to test respiratory patients for altered dyspnea awareness. The device imposes a defined inspiratory resistive load under controlled breathing conditions and records the patient's subjective sensation of dyspnea over time by incrementally increasing the inspiratory resistive load. In a preferred embodiment, the patient breathes in a controlled manner with visual biofeedback prompting, having predetermined respiratory rate, inspiration to expiration time ratio and inspiration and expiration respiratory waveforms.

Abstract: A visual and auditory biofeedback system instructs patients in proper techniques of inhalation to administer aerosol drugs with Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) devices. The system displays desired respiratory parameters along with real time performance with computer related technology means. Optimal performance parameters suited to individual patient needs may be generated. Suitable respiratory flow transducer means is used to generate air volume signals in real time, and suitable electronic switching means is used to indicate MDI activation in real time. Optional auditory incentive means are provided. Optional plus and minus error limits of acceptable performance are provided.The system thus provides visual and auditory biofeedback incentives to improve patient or student performance to mechanical prescription parameters defined by the physician or instructor. Performance deficiency and performance enhancement indicators may be optionally used, both to enhance and to quality control performance.

Abstract: A volume-cycled respirator including a piston driven by a translational motor in a feedback control system for forcing a controlled volume of gas into the lungs of a patient throughout each inspiratory cycle. A waveform generator produces a volume-versus-time waveform representing the desired volume of gas to be delivered to the patient throughout each inspiratory cycle. The feedback loop includes a position transducer responsive to the changing position of the piston for producing a volume-versus-time waveform representing the actual volume of gas delivered to the patient throughout each inspiratory cycle. The desired waveform is compared with the actual waveform to produce an error signal which drives the translational motor so it forces the piston travel waveform to follow the desired waveform.

Abstract: A positive biofeedback training system which visually displays desired respiratory parameters along with performance. Suitable respiratory airflow transducer means is used to generate and compare flow signals in real time to the physician-, technician-, or teacher - prescribed desirable performance parameters, thus providing incentives to improve patient or student performance for respiratory maneuvers under varying circumstances. The system includes estimation means to quantitate deficiencies of volumetric, flow, pressure, or timing requirements to the ideal breathing patterns. The system includes methods and a flow signal is integrated to appropriate volume signal with relation to a time base. The system provides for detecting initiation of inspiration and resetting of ideal volumetric respiration pattern; comparing real time flow and volumetric signal with ideal flow and volumetric prescribed patterns, and visually displaying both ideal and real time performance on a suitable display.