Abstract: Respiratory therapy apparatus includes an oscillating expiratory therapy device and pressure and flow sensors in the patient inlet connected to supply signals to a processor. The processor includes artificial intelligence software to correlate the output signals with prescribed values and control a feedback device that prompts the patient accordingly to adjust use of the device as necessary. The feedback device may be of a visual, audible or tangible kind. The processor may also automatically adjust a setting dial of the therapy device by means of an actuator.

Abstract: A vibratory PEP respiratory therapy device (100) includes a valve element (11) on a rocker arm (12) that opens and closes an opening (10) during exhalation through the apparatus. An accelerometer (20) including a piezoelectric beam (22) supported at one end (23) is mounted on the outside of the housing (2) of the device to respond to vibration transmitted though the housing caused by oscillating movement of the rocker arm (12). The output of the accelerometer (20) is supplied to a circuit (28), (29) that determines when the device (100) is used and the duration and quality of use of the device.

Abstract: Respiratory therapy apparatus has a short conduit (10) with a mouthpiece (13) at one end and open to atmosphere at its opposite end (11). One end of a cylinder (22), (110, 203) opens into the conduit (10) and contains a piston (21, 111, 205) slidable along the cylinder. The piston (21, 111, 205) carries a permanent magnet (24) that interacts with a magnetic field produced by electromagnetic coils (25, 26), 101-109 surrounding the cylinder. The coils are driven by a control unit (30) that receives inputs from pressure, flow and piston position sensors (40, 41) and (42) to cause the piston to oscillate in the cylinder and superimpose an oscillatory waveform on the normal tidal respiration along the conduit (10) at an amplitude sufficient to mobilize mucus in the patient's airway and produce a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A respiratory therapy system includes a vibratory expiratory therapy device through which the patient exhales to set up vibrations within the chest. An array of piezoelectric vibration sensors is mounted on the patient's chest and supplies vibration outputs to a processor, which in turn provides an output to a display indicative of impedance of different regions of the chest.

Abstract: A gas-powered, pneumatic ventilator (1) is driven by compressed air from a compressor (2) and its outlet (11) is connected via corrugated tubing (30) to a patient valve (34) and face mask or the like. A source (4) of pure oxygen, such as from an oxygen cylinder (40), is connected via small bore tubing (38) to a gas inlet (37) adjacent the air inlet (33) of the patient valve (34) so that supplementary oxygen is mixed with the air. The patient valve (34) closes and a patient dump valve (16) in the ventilator opens during the exhalation phase to allow oxygen supplied to the patient valve (34) to fill the corrugated tubing (30) from the patient end (32) and displace air in the tubing out of the patient dump valve (16) so that a volume of oxygen is collected in the tubing and is dispensed to the patient during the next inspiratory phase.

Abstract: Respiratory therapy apparatus includes an oscillating expiratory therapy device (100) and pressure and flow sensors (20 and 21) in the patient inlet (7) connected to supply signals to a processor (24). The processor (24) includes artificial intelligence software to correlate the output signals with prescribed values and control a feedback device (26) that prompts the patient accordingly to adjust use of the device as necessary. The feedback device (26) may be of a visual, audible or tangible kind. The processor (24) may also automatically adjust a setting dial (5) of the therapy device (100) by means of an actuator (27).

Abstract: Respiratory therapy apparatus includes an expiratory therapy device (100) that produces an oscillating resistance to breathing. The device has a vibration sensor (20) mounted on its housing (2) that transmits signals to a receiver (200) indicative of operation of the device. An accelerometer (201) is secured to the chest of the patient; this also transmits signals to the receiver (200). The apparatus prompts the user to use the device (100) at each of its different settings and the receiver (300) monitors the effect of the different settings and computes which gives the most benefit. The receiver (300) then prompts the user to select the optimum set ting for further therapy.

Abstract: A vibratory PEP respiratory therapy device (100) includes a valve element (11) on a rocker arm (12) that opens and closes an opening (10) during exhalation through the apparatus. An accelerometer (20) including a piezoelectric beam (22) supported at one end (23) is mounted on the outside of the housing (2) of the device to respond to vibration transmitted though the housing caused by oscillating movement of the rocker arm (12). The output of the accelerometer (20) is supplied to a circuit (28), (29) that determines when the device (100) is used and the duration and quality of use of the device.

Abstract: A method of determining the respiratory function of a subject is disclosed, the method comprising measuring the concentration of water vapor in the gas stream exhaled by the subject, and from the measured water vapor concentration determining the respiratory function of the subject. Mathematical techniques for analyzing the data obtained from the measurement of concentrations of gaseous components in an exhaled gas stream are also disclosed and their use in determining the lung function of a subject.

Abstract: Humidity profiles of exhaled air of individuals obtained using a sensor to detect water vapor content or temperature versus time of exhalation may exhibit an irregularity indicative of a space-occupying respiratory system lesion. Detection of such irregularities provides an inexpensive and rapid means of pre-screening individuals for lung cancer diagnosis, and is applicable even to individuals with other respiratory disorders such as asthma and COPD.

Abstract: Humidity profiles of exhaled air of individuals obtained using a sensor to detect water vapour content or temperature versus time of exhalation may exhibit an irregularity indicative of a space-occupying respiratory system lesion. Detection of such irregularities provides an inexpensive and rapid means of pre-screening individuals for lung cancer diagnosis, and is applicable even to individuals with other respiratory disorders such as asthma and COPD.

Abstract: A sensor and method for detecting a target substance, particularly CO2, in a gas stream comprises a sensing element disposed to be exposed to the gas stream, the sensing element comprising a working electrode; a counter electrode; and a solid electrolyte precursor extending between and in contact with the working and counter electrodes; whereby the gas stream may be caused to impinge upon the solid electrolyte precursor such that water vapour in the gas stream at least partially hydrates the precursor to form an electrolyte in electrical contact with the working electrode and the counter electrode. The method measures the current flowing between the working counter electrodes as a result of the applied potential; and determines, from the measured current flow, an indication of the concentration of the target substance. The sensor and method are particularly suitable for analyzing tidal carbon dioxide concentrations in the exhaled breath of a person.

Abstract: A method of determining the respiratory function of a subject is disclosed, the method comprising measuring the concentration of water vapour in the gas stream exhaled by the subject, and from the measured water vapour concentration determining the respiratory function of the subject. Mathematical techniques for analyzing the data obtained from the measurement of concentrations of gaseous components in an exhaled gas stream are also disclosed and their use in determining the lung function of a subject.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a target substance, in particular carbon dioxide, in a gas stream comprises a sensing element (8) disposed to be exposed to the gas stream, the sensing element comprising a working electrode (12); a counter electrode (14); and a solid electrolyte precursor (16) extending between and in contact with the working electrode and the counter electrode; whereby the gas stream may be caused to impinge upon the solid electrolyte precursor such that water vapour in the gas stream at least partially hydrates the precursor to form an electrolyte in electrical contact with the working electrode and the counter electrode.