Abstract: A pressure support system and method of treating disordered breathing that optimizes the pressure delivered to the patient to treat the disordered breathing while minimizing the delivered pressure for patient comfort. The controller in the pressure support system operates as a set of prioritized control layers, wherein each control layer competes for control of the pressure generating system to implement a unique pressure control process. The pressure support system also controls the pressure provided to the patient based on the variability of the monitored data and a trend analysis of this data, including an indication of the skewness of the patient's inspiratory waveform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a ventilator in a primary electronic mode or in a back-up pneumatic mode during primary electronic mode failure. A method and apparatus for operating a ventilator in an advanced mode, having a number of ventilatory modes, or in a basic mode, having a limited number of ventilatory modes is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is described a wearable garment capable of supplying air to a user comprising a plurality of compartments disposed about the garment, a plurality of air storage vessels for fitting into respective ones of the compartments, an air regulator, a connector for connecting the plurality of air storage vessels to the regulator, and a breathing member connected to the regulator in fluid communication therewith, wherein the breathing member allows a user to receive air from the plurality of air storage vessels.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for the regional determination of the alveolar opening and alveolar closing of the lung depending on the respiration pressure, wherein according to the method of electrical impedance tomography, an impedance signal is measured in at least one lung zone depending on the respiration pressure. The alveolar opening or closing of a lung zone is determined, in particular to enable an improved artificial respiration.

Abstract: A method and system of individually controlling positive airway pressure of a patient's nares. Some exemplary embodiments may be a method comprising applying therapeutic gas pressure within a first naris of a patient during respiration, and applying therapeutic gas pressure within a second naris of the patient during the respiration. The therapeutic gas pressures applied to each naris are different.

Abstract: A notification system monitors changes in air flow channeled between a positive air pressure generator and a CPAP mask supplying positive airway pressure to a patient during treatment of sleep apnea. An air flow sensor and/or pressure sensor is positioned to monitor air flow channeled to the mask. When a sensor detects a significant change in air flow and/or air pressure, a detection signal is analyzed by a controller unit microprocessor for comparisons with a preselected operating range for air flow and/or pressure. Upon verification the air flow and/or pressure is not within the preselected range, a remote transmission is transmitted to an alarm means proximal of the patient. The alarm means directs at least one stimulus to the patient for alerting and waking the patient. The alarm stimulus includes audio and/or vibratory stimuli of sufficient intensity to alert the patient that mask adjustments are required for proper CPAP treatment.

Abstract: There is described a demand valve for a breathing apparatus with a “first breath” mechanism, wherein a demand valve is held closed by resiliently latching an operating diaphragm of the valve in a position wherein the valve is closed. The diaphragm is resiliently biased towards opening the valve, and the resilient latch is arranged to exert sufficient force so as not to be overcome by the resilient bias alone, but so as to be overcome by the combination of the resilient bias and a predetermined pressure difference across the diaphragm caused by sub-ambient pressure within the facepiece of the breathing apparatus.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for detecting the respiratory activity of a person and for controlling the time progression of breathing gas pressure, especially in accordance with physical parameters and considering parameters indicating the momentary physiological condition of the breathing person. The device for detecting the respiratory activity of a person has at least one sensor that provides a first signal indicating the breathing gas flow, wherein at least one signal processing device is provided for processing the first signal. The signal processing device is configured in such a way that said device determines a reference-relation on the basis of the first signal detected during a first time interval. On the basis thereof, the device determines a correlation-relation between the reference-relation and the first signal.

Abstract: A pneumatic oxygen conserving device uses a portion of gas exiting its main valve to interrupt delivery of the gas. Gas is dispensed upon inhalation and is interrupted by means of suitable pneumatic connections between the device's delivery system and its sensing system.

Abstract: A valve device, particularly for a breathing regulator for divers, including an inlet chamber which can be connected to a source of gas under super-atmospheric pressure, and an outlet chamber which is under a regulated pressure. A seating, which is movable under the influence of the super-atmospheric pressure and the regulated pressure, seals between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber and has a through-passing passageway that interconnects the chambers. Also included is a valve body which is movably arranged in the seating such as to open and close the through-passing passageway in the seating. A servo element exerts on the valve body a force that depends on the position of the movable seating, so that varying force-influence on the valve body from the super-atmospheric pressure will be compensated for by a corresponding varying force from the servo element. This results in an essentially constant valve characteristic, while providing a mechanically simple solution at the same time.

Abstract: The portable ventilators of the present invention provide a hands-free ventilatory support device in critical care, emergency and resource limited environments. The portable ventilators utilize ambient air and include a two dual head compressor system to provide a consistent air supply to the patient. The ventilator device is battery operated and is capable of providing up to 60 minutes of care.

Abstract: A small oxygen enriching apparatus which can supply oxygen-enriched gas at high flow rate without imparting unnatural sensation to a user, as well as a controller and recording medium therefore. In step 100, a judgment is made as to whether a flow rate set by use of a flow-rate setting unit 45 is equal to or less than a continuous base flow rate (3 liters/min). When the set flow rate is a low flow rate of not greater than 3 liters/min, breath-synchronized operation is not performed (continuous supply is to be performed), and therefore, in step 110, oxygen-enriched gas is supplied continuously at the set flow rate. When the set flow rate is a high flow rate of greater than 3 liters/min, breath-synchronized operation is to be performed, and therefore, in step 120, the orifice is set to an opening that enables supply at 5 liters/min. In step 140, in order to perform breath-synchronized operation, control for opening and closing an electromagnetic valve 47 is performed.

Abstract: A portable ventilator for providing an air-recipient with compulsory respiration is provided with an outlet manifold and a single-expansion-chamber muffler configured so that airflow through an inhale outlet port of the muffler is pulse-free and a transmission loss, defined as the ratio of sound power generated by the at least one compressor and incident on the muffler to the sound power transmitted by the muffler, is sufficient to deaden the sound power of the compressor.

Abstract: A sub-aqua breathing system which enables a person operating underwater to breathe air from a compressed air tank supported on the water surface. The system includes a housing containing both a buoyant material and a toroidal compressed air tank connected to an air line feeding a conventional mouthpiece regulator. The air line may be coiled and stored within, or on, the housing. Preferably the housing is of discus-like shape with the buoyant material in the form of floats normally nested within the housing, but deployable radially outward to increase stability when the assembly is floating on the water surface.

Abstract: A ventilator supplies a plurality of volumes of fluid to a patient during a like plurality of inhalations by the patient. Each volume of fluid is supplied at an inspiratory positive airway pressure during a corresponding inhalation by the patient. A volume of fluid received by the patient is determined for each of the plurality of inhalations by the patient and an average volume of fluid received by the patient during each of the plurality of inhalations is determined. The average volume of fluid received by the patient during each inhalation is compared to a predetermined target volume and the inspiratory positive airway pressure each volume of fluid is supplied to the patient is adjusted as a function of the comparison.

Abstract: Methods and related systems for individually sensing airflow in the breathing orifices of a patient, and preferentially delivering therapeutic gas to those breathing orifices based on the amount of airflow sensed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for humidification of inspired gases, wherein the present invention utilizes moisture from condensed expiratory gases deposited within the outer expiratory tube of a conventional unilimb breathing circuit to humidify oxygen gas (or any other inspiratory gas) for subsequent patient inhalation, and wherein the oxygen gas may be directed through the outer expiratory tube via a novel reverse flow adapter coupled to an oxygen gas source. The present invention preferably functions to effectively eliminate prior art methods of oxygen gas humidification that depend upon the wasteful utilization of bottles of sterile water, corrugated tubing, nebulizer adapters and excess consumption of oxygen gas; thus, effectuating a cost savings for the patient and contributing to overall environmental conservation efforts.

Abstract: The demand regulator has a duct communicating a pressurized breathing gas admission with a tube connected to the inside of a breathing mask. Dilution air may be added to the breathing gas. A breathe-out valve opens from the tube to atmosphere. A manual control member has a normal position causing operation without an over pressure above atmosphere and with dilution and an emergency position causing the tube to be fed with pure breathing gas (typically oxygen) at high pressure. Operation with over pressure gas feed is prevented mechanically or pneumatically so long as the mask is being stored.

Abstract: A valve-leaf protective structure for pressure regulator of air tank used in diving mainly includes a valve-leaf seat being provided at a lower center with a retaining hole and at two sides with two raised supports, each of which is provided at an upper inner surface with a rotary shaft hole; and a valve-leaf protective cover located between the two raised supports of the valve-leaf seat, and provided at two upper outer ends with two sideward projected rotary shafts for rotatably mounted in the two rotary holes on the raised supports. A lower side of the protective cover is formed into a tongue having a hook provided at a lowermost end thereof to detachably engage with the retaining hole at the lower center of the valve-leaf seat. Therefore, the protective cover may be pivotally turned about the rotary shafts between the raised supports to close or open the valve-leaf seat.

Abstract: A system and method of providing bi-level CPAP therapy is provided that incorporates an infrared carbon-dioxide sensor to determine whether a patient is inhaling or exhaling. Patient exhalation causes the infrared light to be absorbed, while patient inhalation reduces the presence of carbon-dioxide causes little or no absorption of carbon-dioxide. The level of carbon-dioxide in an associated patient breathing interface is monitored for thresholds that trigger higher CPAP pressure upon inhalation and lower CPAP pressure upon exhalation.

Abstract: Described are a positive airway pressure system and method for treatment of a sleeping disorder in a patient. The system includes a generator, a sensor and a processing arrangement. The generator supplies airflow and applies a pressure at to an airway of a patient. The sensor measures data corresponding to patient's breathing patterns. The processing arrangement analyzes the breathing patterns to determine whether the breathing patterns are indicative of at least one of the following patient's states: (i) a regular breathing state, (ii) a sleep disorder breathing state, (iii) a REM sleep state and (iv) a troubled wakefulness state. The processing arrangement adjusts the applied pressure as a function of the patient's state.

Abstract: Provided are exemplary embodiments of an underwater breathing exhaust system configured to lower the exhalation, effort and to direct water adjacent an exhaust valve to reduce the likelihood of water entering the system and/or gas free flowing from the system.

Abstract: A system (A) for providing single continuous dose of a gaseous heliox mixture to a patient with breathing difficulty includes a device (1) providing a constant and continuous flow of the heliox mixture, and a gas storage tank (2) for the mixture. A flow control is selectively operated to initiate flow of the heliox to the patient. It has a locking mechanism to prevent it from being turned off after the flow begins. The regulator can be reset for reuse by a service entity.

Abstract: A tank retaining device for inhibiting a scuba tank from slipping downwardly in reference to a buoyancy control device. The tank retaining device includes a ring member having a diameter smaller than a scuba tank designed for abutting a bottom the of the scuba tank, and a plurality of strap members operationally coupled to the ring member, each one of the plurality of strap members is couplable to a tank securing strap of a buoyancy control device operationally coupled to the ring member.

Abstract: A self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) served by a source of breathing gas with a mask and a demand regulator connected to the mask. The regulator has a flexible diaphragmatic member having a side exposed to ambient that moves in response to pressure differentials to cause a valve mechanism to introduce breathing gas to the mask. A passage provides breathing gas over said diaphragm exposed to ambient which can be a passage from one side of the diaphragm to the other. A protective cover can overlie the passage which can be displaced upon gas flow through the passage. The method purges ambient contaminants from the diaphragm by providing breathing gas over the diaphragm through an opening of the diaphragm.

Abstract: Individual respiratory gas supply device comprising a respiratory mask and a facial respirator of the cannula or respiratory flexible oro-nasal shell type for comfortably supplying a subject with respiratory gas during a high-altitude flight. The respiratory mask and the facial respirator are adapted so that in the event of de-pressurization or the presence of toxic gases, the subject equips himself with the respiratory mask possibly after having previously removed the facial respirator. Switching means make it possible to cut off the oxygen supply of the facial respirator and dispense oxygen to the regulator when the subject is equipped with the respiratory mask.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a regulator for diving free from any possibility that smooth operation of respective components might be obstructed due to the presence of impurities in the air supplied from an air cylinder. In the regulator, a tubular coupler member coupling a regulator for diving to an air hose extending from an air cylinder is provided with a filter assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the delivery of supplemental oxygen gas to a person combined with the monitoring of the ventilation of the person with both being accomplished without the use of a sealed face mask. Preferred embodiments of the present invention combine an oxygen delivery device, a nasal airway pressure sampling device, an oral airway pressure sampling device, and a pressure analyzer connected to the sampling devices to determine the phase of the person's respiration cycle and the person's primary airway. The oxygen delivery device is connected to a controller such that it delivers a higher flow of oxygen to the person during the inhalation phase of the person's respiratory cycle. The invention thus increases end tidal oxygen concentrations with improved efficiency comparative to known open airway devices.

Abstract: A second stage regulator and a method for using the regulator is provided. The second stage regulator has a unique design to facilitate rotation of the mouthpiece about the regulator. The mouthpiece is able to be configured and reconfigured to adapt to a plurality of uses, including commercial, emergency, military and individual use. The second stage regulator also has a plurality of openings allowing for interchangability of parts. The second stage regulator has a unique ergonomic design for optimum user configuration control. The mouthpiece may be interchanged with the exhaust opening and/or blank opening, and the exhaust may be interchanged with the mouthpiece opening and/or blank opening.

Abstract: A ventilator supplies a plurality of volumes of fluid to a patient during a like plurality of inhalations by the patient. Each volume of fluid is supplied at an inspiratory positive airway pressure during a corresponding inhalation by the patient. A volume of fluid received by the patient is determined for each of the plurality of inhalations by the patient and an average volume of fluid received by the patient during each of the plurality of inhalations is determined. The average volume of fluid received by the patient during each inhalation is compared to a predetermined target volume and the inspiratory positive airway pressure each volume of fluid is supplied to the patient is adjusted as a function of the comparison.

Abstract: A swimming snorkel and oxygen supplement apparatus that includes a mask and a headband strap to which is mounted a snorkel device, including a snorkel tube and a mouthpiece for inspiration of atmospheric air therethrough, and an oxygen supply system for communicating supplemental oxygen to the snorkel device.

Abstract: A double-ended variable speed blower for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) ventilation of patients includes two impellers in the gas flow path that cooperatively pressurize gas to desired pressure and flow characteristics. Thus, the double-ended blower can provide faster pressure response and desired flow characteristics over a narrower range of motor speeds, resulting in greater reliability and less acoustic noise.

Abstract: An on demand supplemental oxygen delivery system that is self-calibrating includes a tank containing a supply of oxygen and a nasal cannula through which the oxygen may be provided to a patient when the system solenoid valve is in the open condition. When the valve is in the closed condition, the cannula communicates with a pressure transducer via a transducer line. An orifice is formed in the line so that the pressure within the transducer line goes to atmospheric pressure when the valve is in the open condition. The pressure transducer reads the atmospheric pressure and directs it to a system controller where it is stored as a reference pressure.

Abstract: A mask and regulator for a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) having a lens and a nozzle, the regulator being adapted for connection to the nozzle. A bifurcated display is mounted on the regulator for displaying amounts of pressure through a port communicating with the lens on either side of the nozzle. A high pressure connection to the source of breathing gas is connected to a transducer assembly for indicating the pressure to the bifurcated display on the regulator on either side. The display provides pressure values through the exterior of the lens in a bifurcated manner analogous to an arcuate gauge display.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fully closed circuit-pendulum-storage system wherein a given amount of a ready to breathe gas mixture made of various inert gases including hydrogen and oxygen is continuously conveyed between two highly pressurized gas containers. Initially, the required breathing gas leaves the pressurized gas container and reaches the circuit at a constant dosage according to the overdosing principle. The circuit consists of an inhalation bag, a diving helmet, an exhalation bag and a single or double pack CO2 absorption filter. At a depth of 0-100 m a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen and helium is used as a breathing gas. At a depth of 100-700 m a given amount of hydrogen is mixed therewith according to the wishes of the diver, whereby the oxygen content should not exceed 3 vol. %. When the diver emerges from a depth of over 100 m, the hydrogen is removed from the breathing gas and from the circuit by means of palladium membrane diffusion or catalytic water conversion.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a cylinder for containing a pressurized therapeutic oxygen gas, a nasal cannula, adapted to be introduced into a nasal passage of a patient, and a conduit extending between the cylinder and the nasal cannula for directing the therapeutic oxygen gas to the nasal cannula from the cylinder. A pressure sensor is provided on the conduit for detecting the pressure in the conduit. A valve is provided, in the conduit, which allows and blocks the fluid communication between the cylinder and the nasal cannula. A controller controls the operation of the valve in synchronization with the respiration of a patient, based on the changes in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. The volume of the oxygen therapeutic gas passing through the valve for each respiration is increased, compared with a normal respiration condition, when the respiratory frequency increases.

Abstract: A ventilator device and system comprising a rotating compressor, preferably a drag compressor, which, at the beginning of each inspiratory ventilation phase, is accelerated to a sufficient speed to deliver the desired inspiratory gas flow, and is subsequently stopped or decelerated to a basal flow level to permit the expiratory ventilation phase to occur. The ventilator device is small and light weight enough to be utilized in portable applications. The ventilator device is power efficient enough to operate for extended periods of time on internal or external batteries. Also provided is an oxygen blending apparatus which utilizes solenoid valves having specific orifice sizes for blending desired amounts of oxygen into the inspiratory gas flow. Also provided is an exhalation valve having an exhalation flow transducer which incorporates a radio frequency data base to provide an attendant controller with specific calibration information for the exhalation flow transducer.

Abstract: A pressurized gas supply system includes a pressurized container which expands and contracts. The container includes a one-piece liner molded from a polymer which is reinforced by a high tensile fiber such as KEVLAR®. A valve is molded into the liner, and a regulator is connected to the valve. A hose, having a conserver positioned therealong, extends between the regulator and a fitting allowing a user to inhale gas from the container. The container is carried in a carrying bag, which can be in the form of a carrying case, a purse, or a back-pack.

Abstract: Regulator for underwater breathing apparatus including: a box-like body having a mouthpiece; and air inlet ducts connected to said box-like body through an inlet valve; one or more exhaust duct connected to the box-like body; a flexible diaphragm frontally positioned on the opposite side as to the mouthpiece and co-operating with an opening or closing lever of the inlet valve, the regulator includes a manually operable limiting device operable from the outside and movable from a first position, where it allows limited movement of the lever inside of the box-like body, to a second position where it allows unlimited movement of the lever inside of the box-like body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic yoke for a pressurized gas reservoir. The yoke comprises an aperture for receiving a stem of the pressurized gas reservoir, the stem having a stem valve selectively operable to permit a flow of pressurized gas through an opening of the stem; a gas passage for alignment with the opening of the stem to accept the flow of pressurized gas; a gas diverting conduit in fluid communication with the gas passage; a movable clamping member within the gas diverting conduit, the movable clamping member having a surface forming a boundary of the conduit, the boundary displaceable by a flow of gas into the conduit to thereby vary the volume of the conduit to thereby engage the clamping member with the stem; and, a release valve in fluid communication with the gas diverting conduit, the release valve selectively operable to permit a flow of gas from the conduit to permit disengagement of the movable clamping member with the stem.

Abstract: An automatic transfer regulator for automatically switching between a primary (hose line) breathing air source and a secondary source (escape cylinder). A pressure sensing system detects the line pressure of the primary source using a spring loaded poppet connected to one side of a transfer poppet valve, with the other side connected to the output of a reducer. The pressure sensing system is fed by the primary source through an orifice. When the sensor detects loss of hose line pressure, the system pressure is released to ambient. This bleeds the pressure from the system side of the transfer poppet valve, allowing the reducer output to force the poppet back, thus actuating the secondary source. A check valve prevents reducer output from escaping through the primary source inlet.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for determining respiratory system resistance (R) in a patient receiving gas from a ventilator. A negative pulse in the pressure and/or flow output of the ventilator during selected inflation cycles is generated and Paw, {dot over (V)} and V are measured at a point (To) near the beginning of the pulse, at a point (T1) near the trough of the negative pulse and at a point (T?1) preceding To. The value of R is calculated from the difference between Paw, {dot over (V)} and V at To and at T1 and where the change in patient generated pressure (Pmus) in the interval To?T1 is estimated by extrapolation from the different between Paw, {dot over (V)} and V and To and at T?1, in accordance with Equation 8.

Abstract: A small oxygen enriching apparatus which can supply oxygen-enriched gas at high flow rate without imparting unnatural sensation to a user, as well as a controller and recording medium therefore. In step 100, a judgment is made as to whether a flow rate set by use of a flow-rate setting unit 47 is equal to or less than a continuous base flow rate (2 liters/min). When the set flow rate is a low flow rate of not greater than 2 liters/min, breath-synchronized operation is not performed (continuous supply is to be performed), and therefore, in step 110, oxygen-enriched gas is supplied continuously at the set flow rate. When the set flow rate is a high flow rate of greater than 2 liters/min, breath-synchronized operation is to be performed (supply during the inhalation period only of each breathing cycle), and therefore, in step 120, oxygen-enriched gas is continuously supplied at the continuous base flow rate.

Abstract: A breathing regulator having a non-linear positive pressure spring is provided for use in an air supplied respirator. The regulator includes a housing formed from a regulator body and a cover sub-assembly, a diaphragm assembly, and the non-linear spring. The spring holds the diaphragm assembly closed and resists the force applied by air pressure during exhalation by the user, but collapses once a sufficient amount of force has been applied, thereby permitting the user to exhale freely.

Abstract: A regulator for underwater breathing apparatus comprising a first stage regulator, a second stage regulator, and a hose, wherein one or more thermally conductive inserts are positioned between the first stage regulator, the second stage regulator, and the hose, causing a heat transfer between the surrounding water and the breathing gas. This invention further relates to a regulator for underwater breathing apparatus wherein breathing resistance is decreased or eliminated by providing one or more expansion tanks that store breathing gas and that are positioned between the first stage regulator, the second stage regulator, and the hose. In one embodiment, the thermally conductive inserts also act as expansion tanks.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the treatment of cardiac failure, Cheyne Stokes breathing or central sleep apnea are disclosed. A subject is provided with ventilatory support, for example positive pressure ventilatory support using a blower and mask. Respiratory airflow is determined. From the respiratory airflow are derived a measure of instantaneous ventilation (for example half the absolute value of the respiratory airflow) and a measure of longterm average ventilation (for example the instantaneous ventilation low pass filtered with a 100 second time constant). A target ventilation is taken as 95% of the longterm average ventilation. The instantaneous ventilation is fed as the input signal to a clipped integral controller, with the target ventilation as the reference signal. The output of the controller determines the degree of ventilatory support. Clipping is typically to between half and double the degree of support that would do all the respiratory work.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for supplying a respiratory gas to a respiratory air way of a patient. The respiratory gas supplying apparatus 10 includes a cylinder 12 filled with a respiratory gas, a cart 14 having an accommodating portion for disposing the cylinder 12, a shut-off valve 18 attached to the cylinder 12, a flow regulating valve 40 attached to the shut-off valve 18, a conduit 22, attached to the flow regulating valve 40, for directing the respiratory gas to the inlet of the respiratory airway of the patient, a coupler 16, integrally connected to the flow regulator 40, for coupling the flow regulating valve 40 to the shut-off is valve 18, and a linkage 110 for disengaging the coupler 16 from the shut-off valve IS when the cylinder 12 is detached from the cart 14.

Abstract: The present invention is a centralized flow control unit (CFCU) for regulating oxygen flow in a multiple user emergency oxygen distribution system in passenger aircraft. Upon activation, the CFCU initially allows unregulated flow of oxygen to surge into the distribution system to thereby purge the ambient air out of the system. After a sufficient pressure is achieved in the distribution system, the CFCU regulates the flow mechanically with a diaphragm engaging a regulator valve. The pressure of the oxygen under the diaphragm causes the regulator valve to reduce the flow of the oxygen through the CFCU. The CFCU accounts for changes in altitude by including a bleed passageway in the diaphragm. A small amount of the oxygen under the diaphragm bleeds to the chamber above the diaphragm then a bleed exit allows the oxygen to escape to the ambient air.

Abstract: A circuit for use in respiration type apparatus using a piezoresistive transducer and wherein the temperature effects on system stabilization are minimized and system initialization times are reduced. The circuit comprises a differential sensor amplifier response to the output of the piezoresistive transducer, a dc negative feedback circuit connected to the output of the differential amplifier, an initialization circuit for reducing the initialization time of the circuit, a diode clamp and voltage follower for clamping the voltage output and a voltage comparator for tracking the circuit operating point and switching its output state when a sudden voltage change caused by a patient breath is detected.

Abstract: An anti-g pressure regulator functions, in conjunction with a pressurized anti-g suit during high g loads, to supply O2 to a pilot's face mask during the inhalation phase with the O2 pressure rising from a predetermined minimum to a predetermined maximum as determined by the g load to increase the volume of O2 supplied to the pilot's lungs. During the exhalation phase the pressure is allowed to fall from the maximum to the minimum to reduce the stress experienced by the pilot during exhalation thereby enabling the pilot to tolerate high g loads. Optionally, the pressure of gas supplied to the anti-g suit may be controlled in a nonlinear manner with respect to the anticipated range of g-loads to improve the pilot's performance during exposure to intermediate g-loads.