Abstract: Modular ventilatory support systems and methods are disclosed in which a user may transition the system between a stationary configuration, an extended range configuration, and a stand-alone configuration. The modular components of the system include a compressor unit, a ventilator which may dock with the compressor unit, and a patient interface which may be connected to either the compressor unit or the ventilator unit. By rearranging these modular components into different configurations, mobility and duration of use may be optimized to fit the present needs. In the stationary configuration, mobility is most restricted, but duration of use is maximized. In the extended range configuration, mobility is enhanced, with duration of use limited by the battery power of the ventilator. In the stand-alone configuration, mobility is maximized, with duration of use limited by battery power of the ventilator and the quantity of an external gas supply.

Abstract: The aircraft emergency oxygen supply system includes one or more sources of supplemental breathable oxygen, one or more inlet valves for one or more breathing devices, connected to the inlet valves, and one or more cabin air pressure transducers. A pressure controller controls the inlet valves in response to the one or more cabin air pressure transducers. One or more second pressure transducers may connected to conduits downstream of inlet valves to be monitored, and the pressure controller may also control operation of the inlet valves in response to the one or more second pressure transducers.

Abstract: A facemask includes a facemask body, a plurality of electrical contacts and a control circuit. The facemask body has an end including an opening and a skin contact perimeter extending along a periphery of the opening, with the skin contact perimeter configured to sealingly engage with a user's face. Each electrical contact is disposed at a respective region of the skin contact perimeter, and each electrical contact is configured to sense when the respective region of the skin contact perimeter is sealingly engaged with a user's face. The control circuit is disposed on the facemask body, and the control circuit is configured to receive a signal from each electrical contact when the respective region of the skin contact perimeter is sealingly engaged with a user's face and to initiate output of an audible stimulus and/or a visual stimulus in response to receiving a concurrent signal from all of the plurality of electrical contacts.

Abstract: Sleep apnea can be treated with pressure support therapy using a target pressure level. Detected respiratory events during consecutive multi-session testing period are compared to determine statistical metrics covering gradual changes in therapy efficiency. Adjustments to the target pressure level are based on changes in variability, and maybe made in between therapy sessions.

Abstract: A method of operating a device for treating sleep disordered breathing (SDB), wherein the device provides continuous positive airway pressure during sleep, includes determining whether treatment pressure at the patient interface is below a desired value, in response to the determining, increasing pressure generated by the flow generator, in response to the increasing, making a determination that the increase in flow generator pressure has resulted in less than a desired increase in treatment pressure at the patient interface, and in response to the determination, reducing or inhibiting further increase of the flow generator pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing ventilation assistance or control are disclosed. Systems and methods for providing randomized ventilation are disclosed. Methods for operating a ventilation system while preventing or reducing the occurrence of ventilator associated lung injury are disclosed. Devices, systems, and methods for providing passive ventilation are disclosed.

Abstract: A bi-directional gas flow generation system (10), the system comprising: (a) a pressure generator (14) comprising an inlet (40) and an outlet (42), (b) a flow member (16) comprising an outlet port (50), an inlet port (52), a respiratory circuit port (54) and a flow path (60), (c) a first valve (18), (d) a second valve (20), and (e) a processor (24) configured to selectively control the first valve and the second valve to operate in (i) a first mode in which gas flows from the flow member inlet port (52) to the respiratory circuit port (54), thereby creating a positive pressure at the respiratory circuit port (54) to insufflate the subject; and (ii) a second mode in which gas flows from the respiratory circuit port (54) to the flow member outlet port (50), thereby facilitating gas flow out from the airway of the subject to exsufflate the subject.

Abstract: A field computer for use in an agricultural vehicle is provided. The field computer includes a housing, a processor disposed within the housing, a touchscreen display operatively connected to the housing and the processor and forming an outer surface of the field computer, and a light bar comprising a plurality of lighting elements arranged in a line on the field computer. The lighting elements of the light bar are positioned such that the lighting elements remain hidden when not in use. The field computer is configured to provide feedback associated with operation of the agricultural vehicle by lighting one or more of the lighting elements in the light bar.

Abstract: A system and method for determining FRC, TGV, TLC and RV includes a hand-held unit with a shutter assembly designed to minimize measured air displacement due to shuttering. Measurements of flow and pressure are used to derive the lung parameters.

Abstract: Nasal breathing apparatuses for delivering gases, monitoring end-tidal CO2, and providing CPAP and NIV through a patient's nose are provided, including a central tubular chamber, a pair of nasal sealing members, one or a pair of breathing tube(s), an inner central tube, one or a pair of delivery tube(s), and a pair of side straps coupled with a head strap. Inner central tube and delivery tube(s) are positioned inside central tubular chamber and breathing tube(s), respectively. Alternatively, central tubular chamber and breathing tube(s) have a double lumen configuration. The nasal breathing apparatuses are compact and lightweight and have reduced noise during use.

Abstract: A ventilator device delivers ventilatory support to a patient in a back up timed mode when patient respiration is not detected or a spontaneous mode when patient respiration is detected. The timing threshold governing the back-up mode is chosen to deviate from normal expected respiration time for the patient to promote patient initiated ventilation in the spontaneous mode but permit back-up ventilation in the event of apnea. Automated adjustments to the timing threshold during the timed mode are made from the less vigilant timing threshold to a more vigilant threshold at or near a timing of normal expected breathing of the patient. Such adjustments may be made from a minimum to a maximum vigilance timing settings or incrementally there between as a function of time in the timed mode which is preferably the number of delivered machine breaths.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing respiratory therapy to a subject respond and/or adapt to the detection of an occurrence of a respiratory event. For example, the pressure level of a pressurized flow of breathable gas may be increased responsive to the occurrence of one or more apneas. Based on usage information spanning more than one therapy session, such as the tracked pressure levels, a starting pressure level for a pressurized flow of breathable gas for a subsequent therapy session is determined. The starting level at the beginning of the subsequent therapy session(s) may be the 90% pressure level as determined during the preceding period during which usage information has been gathered.

Abstract: Methods and systems for patient participatory care and monitoring are provided for applications including respiratory care, ECG monitoring, capnography, infusion pump alarm prevention/management, pressure sore prevention, incentive spirometry, consciousness monitoring during sedation, pain management and other care and monitoring modalities. A patient in-the-loop system includes an input interface for receiving data acquired from a monitoring, controlling or sensing device, a storage device for storing the data at a first location, and a processor for analyzing artifacts in the data and determining whether the patient provided a deliberate action with respect to the device as a response to a prompt or query. The processor can further initiate a variety of prompts and/or output queries stored in the storage device at a second location to the patient.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, facilitating determination of the oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, respiratory exchange ratio, and/or energy expenditure of a mammal.

Abstract: A mask assembly for use as part of an apparatus for supplying a flow of respiratory gases to a user is disclosed. The mask assembly includes a mask body having an inlet through which said flow of respiratory gases are provided to the interior of said mask body. A mask seal assembly comprising a seal of flexible material and a clip of rigid material is attached to the body. The seal has a first side and a second side. The first side of the seal is shaped to approximately match the contours of a user's face and in use substantially seal against a user's face. The second side is attached to the clip. The clip provides an interface extending substantially the full perimeter or periphery of the mask seal assembly for releasably attaching the mask seal assembly to the mask body. The clip comprises a bridging portion spanning outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body to space at least a portion of the second side of the seal outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body.

Abstract: A bi-level positive airway pressure device includes a housing that has a patient port for connecting to an airway of a patient. Within the housing is a device that generates a positive airway pressure directed towards to patient port. Also within the housing is a system that mechanically detects exhalation (by the patient that is connected to the patient port) that enters into the patient port. Responsive to detecting exhalation, a blocking device occludes the device that generates positive airway pressure, thereby reducing or stopping the positive airway pressure until the system that mechanically detects exhalation no longer detects exhalation, at which time the blocking device is operated to no longer occlude the device for generating positive airway pressure, thereby providing positive airway pressure to the patient port during, for example, inhalation.

Abstract: A respiratory device having a respiratory gas source, a control unit and a connecting device for connecting to a respiratory mask. The control unit is connected to a sensor for detecting a measurement parameter. The control unit has a step generator for specifying a stepped modification of the pressure that is generated by the respiratory gas source. The sensor measures a signal that corresponds to the pressure distribution and is coupled to an analyzer that evaluates the temporal distribution of an analysis signal that is dependent on the measuring signal. The step generator increases the pressure by a pressure step in a respiratory cycle that follows the measuring evaluation, if the analyzer determines a deviation of the analysis signal from a limit value after a predeterminable time limit has elapsed following the pressure increase. The deviation must exceed a predeterminable minimum differential in order to trigger a pressure increase.

Abstract: A driving circuit of an electric motor includes: a PWM input pin for externally receiving an input pulse modulation signal with an input duty cycle; a duty cycle to digital converter for receiving and converting the input pulse modulation signal into a first digital value; a slope setting pin for receiving information indicative of a slope of an output duty cycle corresponding to the input duty cycle; a slope acquisition unit for acquiring a second digital value corresponding to the information indicative of the slope; a duty cycle computation unit for generating a linearly increased duty cycle instruction value corresponding to the first digital value by referring to the slope; a digital pulse width modulator for generating a controlling pulse having the output duty cycle corresponding to the duty cycle instruction value; and an output circuit for driving the electric fan motor in accordance with the controlling pulse.

Abstract: A connector includes a connector main body having a flow path, an insertion body having a tip serving as a connection opening for the flow path, a valve body formed of an elastic body and arranged on the tip of the insertion body to block the connection opening, and a cap which holds the valve body together with the insertion body. The valve body includes a valve main body having slits, an inner projection formed in an annular shape having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion body and projecting from a bottom face of the valve main body, and a pair of outer projections arranged point-symmetrically to each other with respect to the axis of the inner projection, each of the pair of outer projections projecting from the bottom face on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the inner projection and being arranged on the inner side of the insertion body.

Abstract: A medical tube has a tube wall defining a passageway for transportation of gases and further has a first end and a second end. At least one end of the medical tube comprises one or more of a pre-formed pneumatic port component, a pre-formed electrical port component, and a pre-formed sensor port component. A cuff is over-molded about and thereby connects the pneumatic port component, the electrical port component, and/or the sensor port component and at least a portion of the tube end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing the primary lesions that give rise to a chronic condition or incorrect structure in myofascial units and associated structures in a human patient. The invention also relates to a method of therapeutic treatment of the diagnosed conditions, in particular by application of a variable vacuum stimulus.

Abstract: The systems and methods include providing, displaying, and/or utilizing leak estimation during ventilation of a patient with a ventilator. The systems and methods include providing, displaying, and/or utilizing internal leak estimation, total leak estimation, and/or external leak estimation during ventilation of a patient with a ventilator.

Abstract: A blower includes a housing including an inlet and an outlet, a stationary component provided to the housing, an impeller positioned between the inlet of the housing and the stationary component, and a motor adapted to drive the impeller. The stationary component includes a tube portion structured to retain and align a pair of bearings that rotatably support a rotor to which the impeller is coupled. The tube portion includes a diameter in a side closest to the impeller that is sufficient size to accommodate adhesive to retain one of the bearings.

Abstract: A receptacle with at least one oxygen mask of an emergency oxygen supply device of an aircraft, said oxygen mask being located in the receptacle and said receptacle comprising an opening, through which the at least one oxygen mask can be led. The receptacle comprises at least one cover for covering the opening at least in sections, and a release device actuated by pull means for the release of the cover.

Abstract: A system of breathing arrangements for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes at least first and second cushion components, e.g., full-face, nasal, nasal prongs, nose tip, and/or a combination of any of the above, including a nasal or full-face cushion and nasal prongs/nozzles combination, etc., that are different from one another in at least one aspect, and a common frame assembly configured to support each of the first and second cushion components. Various embodiments are directed to a full-face or nasal mask used with a frame having lateral connector portions having a stiffening member. The mask assembly may include a nose height adjustment device for the height of the cushion, or a cushion adjustment member by which the position of the cushion may be adjusted relative to the frame. The mask assembly may include a chin strap assembly.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance device is disclosed. There is a patient interface for coupling to a patient respiratory passageway, and a selectively regulated therapeutic gas flow source in pneumatic communication with the patient over the patient interface. A controller is connected to the therapeutic gas flow source and is receptive to inputs of a prescription pressure level and an initial delay duration. After the patient dons the patient interface, therapeutic gas flow is restricted for the initial delay duration following receipt of a treatment initiation command. Upon the expiry of the initial delay duration, the controller increases therapeutic gas flow to the prescription pressure level.

Abstract: A method for controlling mechanical lung ventilation is described. The method may include supplying a breathing gas to an airway of a patient in an intermittent way such that a plurality of respiratory cycles are formed; measuring a volume received by the patient in one or more respiratory cycles of the plurality of respiratory cycles; comparing the measured volume of each of the one or more respiratory cycles with a user defined target volume; attributing a classifying score to each of the one or more respiratory cycles based at least partially on a deviation between the measured volume and the user defined target volume; summing the classifying scores and dividing the result by a sample size of the one or more respiratory cycles; attributing a pressure step value based at least partially on the division result; and adding the pressure step value to a present pressure.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) apparatus for respiratory assistance of a pattern is disclosed. There is a blower having an output connectible to a ventilation mask wearable by the patient. A first pressure sensor measures blower pressure at the output of the blower, and a second pressure sensor that is connectible to the ventilation mask measures mask pressure therein. A pressure controller is connected to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, and a patient inspiratory phase and a patient expiratory phase is be detectable by the pressure controller to regulate therapeutic pressure at the patient mask, based upon pressure differentials between the mask pressure and the blower pressure.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a mask end and a supply end is provided. The valve assembly includes a housing assembly, an inhale valve, and an exhale valve. The housing assembly defines a first air passageway configured for inhalation and a second air passageway configured for exhalation. At least a portion of the second air passageway is disposed peripherally around the first air passageway. The inhale valve is configured to be biased to an open position when subject to a reduction in pressure due to inhalation, and to be biased to a closed position when subject to an increase in pressure proximate due to exhalation. The exhale valve is configured to be biased to a closed position when subject to a reduction in pressure due to inhalation, and to be biased to an open position when subject to an increase in pressure due to exhalation.

Abstract: A compressor system for compressing gases in a multistage compression includes a next-to-last compressor in a flow direction and a last compressor which are connected in series, one or more intercoolers between the next-to-last compressor and the last compressor, and an adsorption dryer connected downstream of the last compressor and designed as a rotation dryer having a rotating adsorption chamber. An inside of the adsorption chamber includes a regeneration sector and a drying sector. The regeneration sector is connected to the last compressor such that the compressed gas stream output from the last compressor is guided in a full stream principle through the regeneration sector. A bypass line which bypasses the intercoolers is situated between next-to-last compressor and last compressor, and includes a setting element to set the gas stream guided via the bypass line and therefore the regeneration entry temperature of the compressed gas in the regeneration sector appropriately.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting developing faults in a flow generator or ventilator during therapeutic use thereof are provided. The motor current may be measured to estimate the torque input by the motor, while the output torque from the impeller may be determined (e.g., as inferred from the motor control system model and/or by consulting a lookup table). One or more transducers may collect data useful in determining the input and output torques. A difference between the input (to the motor) torque and the output (from the impeller) torque may be calculated. The difference, optionally filtered using a low-pass filter to reduce noise, may be compared to a predetermined threshold once or over a period of time to detect gross failures and/or developing failures. Once a failure or developing failure is detected, a user may be alerted and/or the flow generator may be placed into a “service required” mode.

Abstract: A kit including a device which provides breathable gas to a patient and a specific facing, the device including a unit which provides a flow of breathable gas, a processor which drives the unit, and a receiving region which receives the specific facing. The unit and the processor provide the breathable gas in at least two different modes of operation, and a specific mode of operation can be selected out of the at least two modes by attaching the specific facing onto the receiving region.

Abstract: Algorithms for detecting whether a device is properly secured to a user's skin are described. The operation of a device, such as a wearable device, can be adjusted based on whether the device is properly secured to a user's skin (e.g., on-wrist) or not properly secured to the user's skin (e.g., off-wrist). For example, certain functions can be disabled for power-saving, security or other purposes if the device is off-wrist. In order to avoid falsely identifying the device as off-wrist or on-wrist, algorithms for detecting whether the device is on-wrist or off-wrist can calculate one or more variances based on signals measured by a light sensor and compare the one or more variances with one or more thresholds. Comparing the one or more variances to the one or more threshold can improve the accuracy of wrist-detection algorithms.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to, amongst other things, systems, devices, materials, and methods that can improve the accuracy and/or precision of nitric oxide therapy by, for example, reducing the dilution of inhaled nitric oxide (NO). As described herein, NO dilution can occur because of various factors. To reduce the dilution of an intended NO dose, various exemplary nasal cannulas, pneumatic configurations, methods of manufacturing, and methods of use, etc. are disclosed.

Abstract: An exhale valve assembly includes a housing, a valve carrier body, a primary valve assembly, a plunger, a lock assembly, and an air pressure activated actuator assembly. The valve carrier body is disposed the housing and has a passageway. The primary valve assembly is mounted to the valve carrier body. A first air flow path passes through the passageway and a second air flow path passes through the primary valve assembly. The plunger is configured to permit a flow through the first air flow path when the plunger is in a first position and to direct a flow through the second air flow path when the plunger is in a second position. The lock assembly is configured to secure the plunger in the first position. The air pressure activated actuator assembly is configured to release the lock responsive to a pressure change within the cavity of the housing.

Abstract: A blower includes a housing including an inlet and an outlet, a motor to drive a rotatable shaft, first and second impellers provided to the shaft, the first and second impellers each including a plurality of impeller blades, a first stationary component provided to the housing and including stator vanes downstream of the first impeller, and a second stationary component provided to the housing and including stator vanes downstream of the second impeller. A first set of stator vanes of the first stationary component is provided around the motor and are configured and arranged to direct airflow along the motor, to de-swirl the airflow and to decelerate air to increase pressure. A blower including a third impeller and third stationary component positioned above the first impeller is also described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering air to a patient are provided. A device includes a first portion having a first airflow inlet and a first impeller configured to move in response to airflow from the first airflow inlet contacting the first impeller, the first portion defining a first airflow path; a second portion having a second airflow inlet, a second impeller, and an outlet for communicating airflow to a patient, the second portion defining a second airflow path; and means for coupling the first portion and the second portion, such that movement of the first impeller causes corresponding movement of the second impeller, wherein the second impeller is configured to impel air through the second airflow inlet and out of the outlet to the patient, upon movement of the second impeller and wherein the first and second airflow paths are not in fluid communication.

Abstract: A pulsating therapeutic inhaler generating pneumatic pulses for treating respiratory disorders. The inhaler includes: a linear passage that has an elongate axis and is configured to conduct a fluid flow in a laminar manner; a patient interface fluidly connectable to the patient's respiratory tract having an aperture fluidly connectable to the passage; and a shutter disposed between the passage and the aperture configured to modulate a fluid pressure within the fluid flow. The shutter includes a disc having at least one cutout and rotating about an axis parallel to the passage axis. The cutout has four cornered perimeter thereof with two side portions and two circumferential arcs configured relative to the rotation axis. The side portions are circumferentially anti-symmetrical relative to the aperture.

Abstract: A breathing circuit includes a flexible hollow tube having a generally circular cross section and a flexible printed circuit board assembly disposed in the flexible hollow tube. The flexible printed circuit board assembly defines part of at least one inspiratory passage within the flexible hollow tube and part of at least one expiratory passage within the flexible hollow tube. The flexible printed circuit board assembly is configured to heat airflow within one or more of the at least one inspiratory passage and the at least one expiratory passage, and monitor a first property of the airflow within one or more of the at least one inspiratory passage and the at least one expiratory passage at multiple locations along the axial length of the flexible hollow tube.

Abstract: Techniques and devices for securing a medical device to a patient-carrying device, such as a mechanical CPR device to a stretcher, are described herein. In one aspect, a medical device stabilization strap may include a first removable attachment shackle connected to a first end of a first strap. An adjustable quick release buckle may be disposed between a second end of the first strap and a proximal end of a second strap. A second removable attachment shackle may be connected to a distal end of the second strap. The first and second removable attachment shackles may each include a U-shaped bracket for removably engaging a medical device. The adjustable quick release buckle may adjust a length of the second strap, for example, to secure the medical device to the patient-carrying device.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide respiratory therapy may determine a target pressure level in a current therapy session on the successful completion and/or compliance of a patient (for example for at least a threshold amount of respiratory therapy) during one or more prior therapy sessions. By gradually increasing the provided pressure level, patients may improve compliance, comfort, and/or other indicators of how well-tolerated the respiratory therapy is for a patient.

Abstract: Proposed is a Pulse Transit Time, PTT, measurement concept wherein a forced oscillation technique, FOT, is used to determine a pulse arrival time at alveoli of the lungs of a patient.

Abstract: A patient nasal interface is provided that includes a female portion and a first registration feature. The female portion receives a male portion of a generator head. The female portion wraps around and over the male portion when the male portion is inserted into the female portion of the patient nasal interface. The first registration feature is configured for mating with a second registration feature associated with the male portion of the generator head and wherein the mating of the first registration feature with the second registration feature provides a feedback to an operator upon proper insertion of the male portion into the female portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for delivery of therapeutic gas to patients, in need thereof, receiving breathing gas from a high frequency ventilator using at least enhanced therapeutic gas (e.g., nitric oxide, NO, etc.) flow measurement. At least some of these enhanced therapeutic gas flow measurements can be used to address some surprising phenomenon that may, at times, occur when wild stream blending therapeutic gas into breathing gas a patient receives from a breathing circuit affiliated with a high frequency ventilator. Utilizing at least some of these enhanced therapeutic gas flow measurements the dose of therapeutic gas wild stream blended into breathing gas that the patient receives can at least be more accurate and/or under delivery of therapeutic gas into the breathing gas can be avoided and/or reduced.

Abstract: A gas cylinder cart includes a frame, a first control assembly composed of a first control panel wall and a first gas distribution assembly, a second control assembly composed of a second control panel wall and a second gas distribution assembly, and a central manifold connected to each of the first and second control assemblies. The central manifold includes a valve assembly allowing for connection of both the first and second control assemblies to gas cylinders, connection of only one of the first and second control assemblies to gas cylinders, or connection of the first and/or second control assemblies to remote gas sources. Inclusion of the first and second control assemblies within the gas cylinder cart allows for use of the gas cylinder cart in conjunction with different systems that might require different control assemblies.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame to support one of at least first and second compliant patient interfaces and a forehead support adjustably mounted to the frame. The forehead support is structured and configured to be moved between a first position for use with the first patient interface and a second position relative to the frame for use with a second patient interface, whereby the forehead support maintains a horizontal offset distance with the first and second patient interfaces which is substantially constant.

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 control system (706) provides automated control of gas washout of a patient interface, such as a mask or nasal prongs. A gas washout vent assembly (60) of the system may include a variable exhaust area such as one defined by overlapping apertures of the assembly or a conduit having a variable gas passage channel. The vent assembly may be formed by nested structures, such as conic or cylindrical members, each having an opening of the overlapping apertures. The vent assembly may be attached substantially near or included with the patient interface. An actuator of the assembly, such as a solenoid or voice coil, manipulates an aperture of the vent assembly. The actuator may be configured for control by a controller to change the exhaust area of the vent assembly based on various methodologies including, for example, sleep detection, disordered breathing event detection, rebreathing volume calculation and/or leak detection.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a respiratory condition, including: a signal acquiring section which is configured to acquire a signal corresponding to a respiratory flow of a subject; a first index producing section which is configured to produce a first index related to the respiratory flow of the subject obtained from the signal; a second index producing section which is configured to produce a second index related to a respiratory demand of the subject predicted from the first index; a third index producing section which is configured to produce a third index related to a respiratory effort of the subject based on the first index and the second index; and an outputting section which is configured to output the third index.

Abstract: Exhalation valve including a diaphragm for opening and closing an outlet of an exhalation flow path for guiding exhaled air to the outside air, a back chamber provided opposite the exhalation flow path in the diaphragm and forming a space together with the diaphragm, and a pump unit fixed to the circumference of the back chamber for adjusting the air pressure inside the back chamber by feeding and discharging of air to and from the back chamber. The diaphragm closes the outlet of the exhalation flow path when the air pressure inside the exhalation flow path is lower than the air pressure inside the back chamber, and opens the outlet of the exhalation flow path when the air pressure inside the exhalation flow path is higher than the air pressure inside the back chamber.