Abstract: The present invention is related to a device for acoustically monitoring a subject's airway to determine airway obstruction(s) and their location(s). The device is particularly useful when performing sleep analysis and sleep therapy, but is also highly useful in determining airway obstructions of any subject when the subject is sleeping or otherwise unconscious, and can further be used in certain applications when the subject is awake or conscious. The device, in its simplest form, is comprised of a supporting body (e.g. a mask, mouthpiece, or nasal cannula) used to position at least one acoustic generator and at least one acoustic sensor at a location essentially proximal to a subject's airway, the acoustic generator and acoustic sensor generating and/or sensing sound waves useful in determining obstruction(s) and their location(s) within the airway of a subject.

Abstract: A turbulator adapted to be mounted to or inserted in an inlet portion of a flow meter for a ventilator is disclosed. The turbulator is adapted to create a turbulent gas flow in the inlet portion downstream of the turbulator upon passage of a gas flow therethrough. A flow meter for a ventilator is provided. The flow meter may comprise such turbulator. The turbulator may be arranged in the inlet portion of the flow meter. A membrane for a ventilator flow meter is provided, as well as a flow meter comprising the membrane. A flow meter comprising a turbulator and a membrane is disclosed.

Abstract: A PAP system includes a PAP device to generate a supply of pressurized air, a patient interface adapted to form a seal with the patient's face, air delivery tubing to interconnect the patient interface and the PAP device, and a cover that substantially encloses at least a portion of the PAP device and a portion of the air delivery tubing. The cover allows the PAP device to be carried by and/or supported on the patient's head.

Abstract: A cushion (16) for use with a mask (10) in delivering a flow of breathing gas to a user includes a first portion adapted to contact a surface of a user, a second portion adapted to be coupled to a mask shell (18), and a wall portion extending between the first portion and the second portion. The wall portion includes a chamber formed therein, the chamber having one of an electro-rheological fluid or a magneto-rheological fluid disposed therein. The cushion further includes a means (44, 50) for selectively varying the apparent viscosity of the fluid disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment device comprising at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the at least one chamber, at least one chamber outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the at least one chamber, and an exhalation flow path defined between the chamber inlet and the at least one chamber outlet. A restrictor member positioned in the exhalation flow path is moveable between a closed position, where a flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is restricted, and an open position, where the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is less restricted. A vane in fluid communication with the exhalation flow path is operatively connected to the restrictor member and is configured to reciprocate between a first position and a second position in response to the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path.

Abstract: The disclosed device serves for artificial respiration and has a blower connected to a control. The blower is held by a supporting part, which assumes the task of decoupling and other functions. The blower and the supporting part are arranged in a blower box. Both the control and the blower box are arranged in a housing. The control is connected to at least one indicating device and also to at least one operating element.

Abstract: A process is provided for operating a respirator and/or anesthesia device in the APRV mode with at least one pressure release phase with the step of setting a first point in time for terminating the pressure release phase. The process includes measuring the electrical impedance and/or impedance change of the lungs and setting the first point in time such that the measured impedance and/or impedance change are taken into account. A device is provided for carrying out the process according to the present invention.

Abstract: An adapter apparatus (24, 80) for a respiratory therapy system (2) having a pressure generating device (4) and an electrical tube assembly (22) coupled to a patient interface device (8) includes a first end having a first port member (66, 94) structured to be fluidly coupled to the electrical tube assembly, a second end having a second port member (70, 88) structured to receive a flow of breathing gas generated by the pressure generating device, the adapter apparatus being structured to deliver the flow of breathing gas to the electrical tube assembly through the first port member, and a wire assembly having a first electrical connector (76, 104) structured to be electrically coupled to the electrical tube assembly and a second electrical connector structured to be electrically coupled to the pressure generating device in order to provide an electrical connection between the electrical tube assembly and the pressure generating device.

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 lung ventilation apparatus and system are described. The lung ventilation apparatus may include a control panel; and a graphical user interface associated with the control panel, the graphical user interface comprising a central strip content item covering at least 50% of a total area of the graphical user interface, the central strip content item representing at least one of a patient monitoring screen or surveillance screen, the central strip content item comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion comprises numerical elements indicating ventilation parameters of a patient, and the second portion comprises a graphical element indicating pressure at a patient airway.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods and devices for respiratory support. As one example, a method for respiratory support is described that includes providing a measured pressure, and calculating a net flow based on at least one measured inlet flow and measured outlet flow. A relationship between a first value related to the measured pressure, a second value related to the measured net flow and a third value related to patient effort is used to provide a prediction of patient effort. An interim value is updated based at least in part on the prediction of the patient effort, and used to help compute a patient effort. A ventilation cycle is initiated using the computed patient effort.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a valve, particularly an exhaust gas recirculation valve, said valve comprising a conduit (4) for circulating a cooling fluid having a wall (10) intended to come in contact with a circulation flange of said cooling fluid, said wall (10) having a plurality of grooves (16) and ribs (14) configured to limit contact between said flange and said wall (1) at said ribs (14), said ribs (14) being formed by machining and said grooves (16) being produced from molding the valve.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a housing and a valve, the valve being disposed within the housing, a first indexed member integral to the housing, the first indexed member adapted to be complementary to a second indexed member, and a radio frequency identification device adapted to communicate with a radio frequency receiver, the valve being configured to align with a canister, seal the canister and open in a single movement. A drug containment device having said valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Determining the lung compliance and lung resistance of a subject undergoing respiratory therapy using non-invasive ventilation requires taking the presence of leaks into account. In particular, variable and unintentional leaks at or near a subject interface appliance may be dynamically determined based on an average resistance of the leak orifice of the subject.

Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler system includes a water source, a sprinkler, a piping network interconnecting the water source and the sprinkler, and an automatic gas vent coupled to the piping network and configured to discharge gas from the system. The automatic gas vent includes a sensor configured to sense a presence or absence of a liquid and an electrically operated valve. The automatic gas vent is configured to open the electrically operated valve in response to the sensor sensing the absence of a liquid and close the electrically operated valve in response to the sensor sensing the presence of a liquid. Automatic gas vent assemblies and methods of venting and discharging gas from fire protection sprinkler systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system comprises a respiratory delivery arrangement adapted to cover at least one respiratory orifice of a patient. The system also comprises a first conduit having a first end and a second end, the second end connected to the respiratory delivery arrangement. A positive pressure is provided to the respiratory orifice via the first conduit and a second conduit having a third end and a fourth end, the fourth end connected to the respiratory delivery arrangement. An exhaled gas is extracted from the respiratory orifice by one or both of a valve configured to redirect flow through the respiratory delivery arrangement and a venturi opening.

Abstract: Trigger event detection employs a finite state machine (FSM) and interpolation of time-sampled data. A trigger event detector includes an interpolator configured to interpolate time-sampled data and to provide an interpolated sequence of data. The trigger event detector further includes an FSM that has a plurality of predefined states including a trigger event state. The FSM is configured to transition among the predefined states according to an ordered sequence of symbols corresponding to the interpolated sequence of data. A transition of the FSM into the trigger event state represents detection of a trigger event. The trigger event detection provides one or both of a real-time trigger and a post-acquisition trigger.

Abstract: A respiratory interface device is provided. The respiratory interface device includes a mask (10) having a faceplate (12) and a patient contacting cushion (15), the patient contacting cushion coupled to, and extending about, the faceplate, a brace assembly (40) having a brace body (42) with at least one mask coupling, the mask and the brace assembly coupled at the mask coupling, wherein the mask coupling is a soft coupling. The mask soft coupling utilizes a flexible membrane assembly, the flexible membrane assembly being disposed between the mask and the brace body.

Abstract: Devices and systems for monitoring weaning of a subject from a respiratory ventilator including a processing logic configured to characterize distinct patterns in a series of CO2 waveforms, the distinct patterns indicative of the effectiveness of a weaning process; and to provide an indication relating to the effectiveness of the weaning process.

Abstract: A method for controlling mechanical lung ventilation is described. The method may include intermittently switching the airway pressure of the patient from a substantially constant high baseline pressure level to a substantially constant low baseline pressure and vice-versa such that the patient is able to breathe spontaneously in both high and low baseline pressure levels; detecting an inspiration effort by the patient inside a trigger time window that immediately precedes a switching event of the intermittently switching the airway pressure; maintaining a baseline pressure at the level in which the inspiration effort was detected so that the patient can complete the inspiration-exhalation cycle; and switching the baseline pressure level after a delay time.

Abstract: This is directed to adjusting the size of displayed text in response to receiving user instructions. An electronic device can display text or other content using one or more default sizes. A user can direct the device to increase a display size of text by providing a corresponding input. In response to receiving the instruction, the electronic device can increase the display size of the text and display the beginning of the text (e.g., the beginning of a sentence), even though an input may be detected in a region near the end of the text. In some cases, when the user instructs the device to increase the display size of text beyond a maximum level, the electronic device can provide an audio output corresponding to the text instead of or in addition to increasing the display size of the text.

Abstract: A flow regulation vent for use in controlling a vent flow of washout gas in a system for supplying breathable gas pressurized to within a therapeutic pressure range above atmospheric pressure to a patient in the treatment of a sleep disordered breathing condition is disclosed. The flow regulation vent may include a housing having at least one vent orifice and at least one fixed bleed orifice; and a flap configured to regulate the vent flow of washout gas through the at least one vent orifice, wherein the at least one fixed bleed orifice is not covered by the flap in any position and the flow regulation vent provides a minimum vent flow independent of the position of the flap.

Abstract: An improved patient interface assembly and pressure support system integrate a pressure sensor and a valve into the patient interface assembly and employs closed loop control between the sensor and the valve in order to limit delay between the time at which a condition indicative of abnormal breathing or flow load during normal breathing is experienced by a patient and the time at which altered pressure support is received by the patient.

Abstract: A micromechanical semiconductor sensing device is disclosed. In an embodiment the sensing device includes a micromechanical sensing structure being configured to yield an electrical sensing signal, and a piezoresistive sensing device provided in the micromechanical sensing structure, the piezoresistive sensing device being arranged to sense a mechanical stress disturbing the electrical sensing signal and being configured to yield an electrical disturbance signal based on the sensed mechanical stress disturbing the electrical sensing signal.

Abstract: A respiratory mask for a medical patient including a shell and a flow coupling is disclosed. The shell includes an upper portion configured to cover a nose of the patient and a lower portion configured to cover a mouth of the patient, where an internal surface of the shell defines an interior volume of the respiratory mask. The flow coupling includes a body, a supply flow passage extending through the flow coupling, a scavenging flow passage extending through the flow coupling, and a septum within the body that separates the supply flow passage from the scavenging flow passage. The supply flow passage and the scavenging flow passage are fluidly coupled to an aperture that extends through the upper portion of the shell, and an aperture extending through the lower portion of the shell, respectively.

Abstract: A hypoxia recovery system capable of supplying breathing air with approximately 20% oxygen to a subject inside a mask off hypoxia training room without the use of a real world MD-1 aviator oxygen regulator, yet have the experience and realism of a real world MD-1 aviator oxygen regulator. The invention also teaches a method of hypoxia flight training, using said hypoxia recovery system.

Abstract: Methods, systems and/or apparatus for slowing a patient's breathing by using positive pressure therapy. In certain embodiments, a current interim breathing rate target is set, and periodically the magnitude of a variable pressure waveform that is scaled to the current interim breathing rate target is increased if the patient's breathing rate is greater than the interim breathing rate target in order to lengthen the patient's breath duration. The magnitude of the pressure increase may be a function of the difference between the interim breathing rate target and the patient's breathing rate. The interim breathing rate target may be periodically reduced in response to the patient's breathing rate slowing down toward the current interim breathing rate target. The variable pressure waveform cycles from an inhalation phase to an exhalation phase when the patient airflow decreases to a cycle threshold, the cycle threshold being a function of flow versus time within a breath and generally increasing with time.

Abstract: A pressure support methodology and system that utilizes at least two, and possibly all three, of information relating to (i) airway patency, i.e., the degree to which the patient's airway is open, (ii) the primary cause of the current sleep disordered breathing event, and (iii) the patient's response to previous pressure changes to automatically titrate pressure when presented with a sleep disordered breathing event. In another embodiment, pressure may be automatically titrated based solely on the primary cause of the sleep disordered breathing event.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus includes a source of compressed air and a lung demand valve that receives compressed air from the source. A pneumatic valve assembly is connected between the source and the lung demand valve. The pneumatic valve assembly is moveable between a first closed position that prevents a flow of compressed air to the lung demand valve and a second open position that provides a path for compressed air to flow to the lung demand valve. A mask receives the lung demand valve therein. The mask provides the compressed air to a user and having a first operational mode providing filtered ambient air to the user and a second operational mode providing compressed air to the user. A control device is coupled to the pneumatic valve assembly. The control device detects a condition in the air surrounding the apparatus and controlling the pneumatic valve assembly to move between the first closed and second open position and the mask to operate in a respective one of the first and second operational modes.

Abstract: A method for implementing asynchronous operation of a permanent magnet motor (PMM) by detecting asynchronous operation of the PMM and creating cyclic variations in the PMM output using the asynchronous operation of the PMM. In another embodiment, an apparatus that comprises a microcontroller that obtains computer executable instructions stored on a non-transitory medium that when executed by the microcontroller causes the apparatus to determine that a rotor shaft within a PMM is rotationally restricted and to vary a plurality of frequencies and a plurality of amplitude currents supplied to the monitor to produce a reverse impact on a downhole tool coupled to the PMM.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide positive airway pressure. They may include a blower configured to provide pressurized air to a patient interface and a controller. The controller can be configured to control an air pressure of the pressurized air provided by the blower during a first treatment session. The controller can be configured to detect sleep disordered breathing (SDB) events during the first treatment session. The controller can be configured to adjust the air pressure in response to the detected SDB events during the first treatment session. The controller can be configured to determine a first therapeutic pressure treatment level based on the SDB events detected during the first treatment session. The controller can be configured to maintain the air pressure at the first therapeutic pressure treatment level during a second treatment session.

Abstract: Adapting a patient to an airway pressure support therapy is disclosed. An initial prescription pressure level is derived from a respiratory disturbance index diagnosis. A pressure ramping slope is generated from the initial prescription pressure level and a received initial pressure level. Increasing levels of pressure are delivered to the patient as defined by the pressure ramping slope. The pressure ramping slope is adjusted based upon derived usage duration trends, and the prescription pressure level is adjusted based upon measured apnea/hypopnea index variations resulting from the delivered increasing levels of pressure to the patient.

Abstract: Breathing mask for supplying a breathing gas to a user of a mask includes a sealing lip to seal a mask support zone, a mask base body to form a mask interior chamber and a connector to connect at least one breathing gas line. The mask base body and/or the connector is provided with at least one de-coupling structure formed of an elastomer material. The de-coupling structure allows a relative movement between a mask body-sided circumferential foot portion of the sealing lip and the breathing gas line in at a tilt angle of at least 5°.

Abstract: A nasal aspirator is adapted to remove fluid or tissue from a nasal passageway. The aspirator includes an aspirator tube sized to fit in a nasal passageway.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment apparatus configured to provide a flow of breathable gas to a patient, including a breathable air outlet, an outside air inlet, and an pneumatic block module, wherein the pneumatic block module includes: a volute assembly including an inlet air passage, a mount for a blower and an outlet air passage; the blower being mounted in the mount such that an impeller of the blower is in a flow passage connecting the inlet air passage and the outlet air passage; a casing enclosing the volute assembly, wherein air passages within the casing connect air ports on the volute assembly, wherein the inlet air passage of the volute assembly is in fluid communication with the outside air inlet and the outlet air passage of the volute assembly is in fluid communication with the air outlet.

Abstract: A vent assembly for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment includes a porous disk portion that is attached to a biasing member such that the disk portion is maintained in a substantially sealed position against a main vent to minimize airflow through at least one side vent of the vent assembly. Debris build-up on the disk portion can cause the biasing member to deflect to provide an additional path for airflow through the at least one side vent. In another embodiment, the vent assembly can also include an anti-asphyxia feature to provide an airflow path from the environment to the user. An oxygen diverter valve may be disposed between the breathing apparatus flow generator and an oxygen injection port.

Abstract: An outer cover includes a flexible tube portion having flexibility and an inflexible tube portion. The flexible tube portion has a corrugated tubular shape in which concave portions and convex portions both extending in a circumferential direction are alternately formed side by side in an axial direction and in which intervals of the adjacent concave portions or intervals between the adjacent convex portions are partially changed.

Abstract: A breathing assistance device may include a turbine for generating flow of pressurized respiratory gas, a duct for carrying pressurized gas to a patient, and a mechanism to control gas pressure capable of elaborating a pressure setting for the turbine. The turbine is connected to a speed sensor for acquiring the rotation speed of a rotating element of the turbine. A mechanism controls a calculation in order to elaborate a pressure setting and to send the pressure setting to the turbine. A method regulates the pressure of a respiratory gas delivered by a turbine to a patient. The method involves elaborating a pressure setting for the turbine. The pressure setting is elaborated using a signal representative of the rotation speed of a rotating element of the turbine.

Abstract: A device in connection with sleep apnoea, includes a dental splint (1) designed to engage with the jaws of the user in the position of use of the device and the device moreover includes elements (10, 11) for delivering air to the nostrils of the user from an external air source and a holder element (3) for supporting the elements (10, 11) for the delivery of air, the holder element (3) being connected to the dental splint (1). The holder element (3) is connected to the dental splint (1) by way of elements (7, 9) for adjusting the distance between the dental splint (1) and the holder element (3).

Abstract: A pacing apparatus for use with a manual ventilation device, includes electronic circuitry configured to provide a visual, tactile and/or audible indication of a specified compression/ventilation duty-cycle for delivering compressions/ventilations in order to ventilate, provide air, oxygen or other medical gas to a patient or training device.

Abstract: A screen connector for electrical cables may include: a conductive shield sock extending about a longitudinal axis and configured to couple to a conductive screen of at least one electrical cable or to at least one jointing assembly for the electrical cables; a shrinkable protective sleeve arranged in a radially outer position with respect to the conductive shield sock; at least one first removable support element arranged in a radially inner position with respect to the conductive shield sock and configured to hold the conductive shield sock and the shrinkable protective sleeve in a radially expanded state; and/or at the axially opposite end portions of the screen connector, at least one watertight element. The at least one watertight element may be radially interposed between the conductive shield sock and the shrinkable protective sleeve.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a cushion member (10), a frame member (16), and nasal pillows (18,20). A first side (12) of the cushion member forms a seal with a patient's mouth. The nasal pillows are structured to form a seal with the patient's nares. The nasal pillows are attached to the frame member. The frame is attached to a second side (14) of the cushion member. The frame member includes a connecting portion (228), a first aperture (240), and a second aperture (242). The nasal pillows include a first nasal pillow element (218) and a second nasal pillow element (220). The first nasal pillow element is at least partially removably disposed in the first aperture. The second nasal pillow element is at least partially removably disposed in the second aperture. The connection portion is connected to the second side of the cushion member.

Abstract: A patient interface in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to be at least partially carried by a patient and to receive gas exhaled by the patient. The patient interface includes first and second cannula tubes each having a first end and a second end, the first ends are configured to be inserted into the nostrils of a patient, the first and second cannula tubes are configured to direct exhaled gas from the patient from the first ends to said second ends. The patient interface also includes first and second sensors positioned near the second ends, and the first and second sensors are configured to provide first and second signals based upon the gas, wherein the first and second signals are indicative of a physiological parameter of the patient. The patient interface also includes a communications link configured to provide the signal to a physiological monitor.

Abstract: A method for controlling the end-expiratory pressure at a patient (30) in a respiratory system (50) of an anesthesia apparatus or respirator (30) includes regulating a pressure curve (401a, 401b, 501a, 501b) during the expiration phase (650) of the patient such that the pressure curve is described by an at least partially dropping curve (105a, 105b, 106a, 106b, 601, 602, 603, 604) from a first upper pressure value (613a, 613b, 613c, 613d) to a first lower pressure value (614a, 614b, 614c, 614d) from the end of the inspiration phase (660) until the beginning of the next, following inspiration phase (670). An anesthesia apparatus or respirator is provided that includes an operating and actuating unit that regulates a controllable expiratory valve and a respiration drive such that the pressure curve is described by an at least partially dropping curve.

Abstract: A patient interface system for delivery of a supply of air at positive pressure to the entrance of a patient's airways for treatment of sleep disordered breathing includes an air delivery tube connected to a flexible portion of a plenum; a vent structure having sufficient rigidity to support its own weight under gravity and/or not to block or fold under tube movement or tube drag; and a patient interface structure. The patient interface structure includes a seal forming structure arranged on a top portion of the plenum; and a seal positioning and stabilizing structure connected to a flexible portion of the plenum. The seal-forming structure is substantially decoupled from a tube drag force.

Abstract: A patient interface that is comfortable for a user to wear is disclosed. The patient interface includes a forehead rest and cushion. In particular the cushion includes a deformable resilient member that when compressed creates a uniformly and gradually increasing force while evenly distributing the pressure on the forehead of the patient.

Abstract: Branch flow channels configured respectively to supply compressed air to two sieve beds respectively are provided with air supply valves each including a diaphragm valve and an electromagnetic pilot valve for driving the diaphragm valve and configured to open and close the respective branch flow channels, a pilot flow channel configured to supply pilot air to the electromagnetic pilot valves is branched from the branch flow channels, and check valves for preventing reverse flows in the respective branch flow channels are provided.

Abstract: Branch flow channels configured respectively to supply compressed air to two sieve beds respectively are provided with air supply valves each including a diaphragm valve and an electromagnetic pilot valve for driving the diaphragm valve and configured to open and close the respective branch flow channels, a pilot flow channel configured to supply pilot air to the electromagnetic pilot valves is branched from the branch flow channels, and a check valve for preventing pilot air from flowing reversely is provided in the pilot flow channel.

Abstract: A ventilator, or a breathing assistance apparatus, is disclosed to ventilate patients who may have breathing difficulties, said device comprising a inspiratory pressure control duct configured to be immersed in a first body of fluid; a positive end-expiratory pressure control duct configured to be immersed in a second body of fluid; at least one valve connected to the peak inspiratory pressure control duct and to the positive end-expiratory pressure control duct, and at least one controller communicably connected to the valve to control rate of cycling of the valve, thereby controlling number of breaths per minute, and to control the duration of peak inspiratory pressure also known as inspiratory time.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method can include determining an amplitude for each of a plurality of input channels, corresponding to respective nodes. A measure of similarity can be computed between the input channel of each node and the input channel of its neighboring nodes. The method can also include comparing an amplitude for each node relative to other nodes to determine temporary bad channels. For each of the temporary bad channels, a measure of similarity can be computed between the input channel of each node and the input channel of its neighboring nodes. Channel integrity can then be identified based on the computed measures of similarity.