Abstract: Introduced are methods and systems for monitoring a person's sleeping patterns, and detecting episodes of sleeping disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea. In one embodiment, a sensor strip attached to the mattress monitors the user's breathing, and detects signature frequencies corresponding to snoring and sleep apnea. Once a sleeping disorder is detected, a notification can be sent to a device associated with the user, or the user's bed can be automatically adjusted to alleviate the sleeping disorder.

Abstract: A liquid-dissolved gas separator includes a metallic separator. The separator has a plurality of open pores that connect a liquid-facing surface of the separator with an opposed vacuum-facing surface of the separator for separating dissolved gases from a liquid traversing the liquid-facing surface of the separator body.

Abstract: Multi-conduit connector apparatuses for use in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) apparatuses to wound dressing, and methods for installing multi-conduit connector apparatuses in NPWT apparatuses.

Abstract: Poly(ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) polymers having an average molecular weight of at least 300,000 g/mol and a melt enthalpy of at least 57 J/g are provided. The ETFE polymer may include at least one additional comonomer. The ETFE polymer is used to form a porous tape or membrane that has a node and fibril structure. A porous ETFE tape may be formed by lubricating the ETFE polymer and subjecting the lubricated polymer to pressure at a temperature below the melting point of the ETFE polymer. Optionally, the ETFE tape may be expanded at a temperature below the melting temperature of the ETFE polymer to form an expanded ETFE membrane. Alternatively, the ETFE polymer may subjected to heat and pressure without the addition of a lubricant to form a dense preform. The dense preform may be subsequently slit in a length direction and stretched to form a dense ETFE fiber.

Abstract: A low dead space liquid trap includes: a tube, having an inlet, an outlet, and an aperture disposed between the inlet and the outlet at a bottom of the tube, wherein the tube defines a channel extending in a first direction between the inlet and the outlet, the channel having a cross section perpendicular to the first direction; a reservoir disposed beneath the aperture of the tube; and a gas permeable membrane extending across the channel at an angle greater than zero with respect to the cross section of the channel.

Abstract: A fluid trap is disclosed herein. The fluid trap has a tube connector defining a first interior passageway and a second interior passageway. The tube connector is adapted for connection with a dual lumen tube such that the first interior passageway is in fluid communication with one of the dual lumen and the second interior passageway is in fluid communication with the other of the dual lumen. The fluid trap also includes a reservoir operatively connected to the tube connector. The reservoir is in fluid communication with only one of the interior passageways, and is configured to retain fluid from that passageway.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for controlling flow in a fluid distribution system are described herein. One apparatus includes a flow sensor configured to determine a flow of a fluid through a conduit of a fluid distribution system, a valve associated with the conduit and coupled to an actuator, and a controller connected to the flow sensor and the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water removal device, method and system for gas sampling. The water removal device comprises a dehydration cup, a gas chamber, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a feedback control unit, a main channel and a sucking pump. The feedback control unit controls the working state of the sucking pump according to monitoring data of the pressure sensor and the flow sensor. The water removal device, method and system for gas sampling have the advantages that a double-channel gas sampling structure is adopted so that liquid water in a gas course can be removed effectively. By the adoption of an atmospheric pressure switch structure, no gas flow will pass through a second channel under normal circumstances, and the utilization of sampled gas is increased.

Abstract: Devices for the preparation of depleted blood products that provide for the depletion of oxygen, carbon dioxide, or oxygen and carbon dioxide are described. In addition, devices for the replenishment of oxygen and other gases to an anaerobic blood product are described. Methods and systems incorporating depletion and addition devices are provided to optimize the preparation, storage and transfusion of blood products to a recipient are described.

Abstract: A blood treatment filter including: a filter container that introduces blood from an inlet into an internal space, and discharges treated blood from an outlet; a filter material that is housed in the filter container to partition the internal space into an inlet side space and an outlet side space, and filters the passing blood to remove a specific component; an inlet port that forms an inlet channel through which the blood flowing from the inlet to the internal space passes; an outlet port that forms an outlet channel through which the blood flowing from the internal space to the outlet passes, wherein the outlet channel has a tapered outlet passage with an inner diameter increasing from the internal space side toward the outlet side.

Abstract: A pulmonary secretion clearing airway structure and related airway management system is disclosed that has a double lumen portion which each lumen of the double lumen portion operably secured to an airway management system so that inspiratory fluid (air/oxygen mixtures, with or without added water vapor) is delivered to the distal end of the ventilation catheter through one of the two lumens and expired inspiratory fluid, pulmonary secretions, and pulmonary fluids are removed from the patient through the other lumen. The expiratory fluid pathway preferably includes a secretion collection system for removing the pulmonary secretions and the like from the pathway, thereby improving operation and safety of the system. The airway structure can be a ventilation catheter or a supraglottic airway system such as laryngeal mask and the like.

Abstract: A fluid conduit assembly for delivery of a medication fluid, and an associated fluid delivery system, are disclosed here. The fluid conduit assembly includes a trapping chamber having an interior volume to receive the medication fluid. The fluid conduit assembly also includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior volume, a first outlet arrangement for the trapping chamber, and a second outlet arrangement for the trapping chamber. The first outlet arrangement accommodates flow of liquid from the interior volume, while inhibiting flow of gas from the interior volume. The second outlet arrangement accommodates flow of gas from the interior volume, while inhibiting flow of liquid from the interior volume.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cartridge for an inhalation device for delivering anaesthetic to a human or animal wherein anaesthetic in the cartridge is dispersed in an anaesthetic control release medium; an inhalation device for use with the cartridge and a formulation including at least one selected anaesthetic and anaesthetic control release medium.

Abstract: A pressure regulating device includes a housing having an inlet, a main outlet, an J an external venting outlet. An internal venting aperture is between the inlet and the external venting outlet. A valve is between the external venting outlet and the internal venting aperture. When the pressure of gases in the flow path is below a predetermined level, the valve at least partially blocks the internal venting aperture. When the pressure is above the predetermined level, the valve opens to allow at least a portion of the gases to flow from the inlet through the internal venting aperture and the external venting outlet. The valve is shaped to open in such a manner that the portion of gases flowing varies with the flow rate, such that the pressure at the main outlet is substantially constant over the flow rate range.

Abstract: An elongated flow-through degassing apparatus includes an elongated gas permeable outer shell and one or more gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable elongated inner conveyance members extending within the outer shell and at least partially through a chamber defined within the outer shell. The apparatus also includes inlet and outlet junctions for securing the outer shell to the inner conveyance member. The outer shell exhibits a first permeance that is substantially greater than a second permeance of the inner conveyance member. The degassing apparatus may be sufficiently flexible so as to be readily manipulatable into desired configurations.

Abstract: A biological-information obtaining apparatus includes a light-emitting unit configured to emit light, an image-capturing unit configured to capture images, in time sequence, obtained by irradiating a living body with the light emitted and by causing the light to be transmitted through or reflected by the living body, the image-capturing unit being sensitive to at least two color components, an extreme generation unit configure to generate, for each of the captured images in the time sequence, a maximum value and a minimum value of each of the color components in a certain area of the captured image, and an oxygen-saturation calculation unit configured to calculate oxygen saturation on the basis of the maximum value and the minimum value of each of the color components in the certain area of the captured image.

Abstract: The system and method of the present application predicts if there is sufficient CO2 absorbent capacity for the next anesthesia case. If insufficient, the canister can be preemptively replaced when no patient is connected to the breathing system. Such prediction also allows clinicians to determine if the CO2 canister has to be changed during the present case or to wait until the end of the case. In the latter, the clinician may buy time by increasing the fresh gas flow rate to reduce the amount of patient CO2 gases recirculated. A predictive estimation of CO2 breakthrough allows more time to prepare for an orderly CO2 canister replacement during a quiet period in the anesthesia care.

Abstract: A device and method for generating vapor concentrations of a chemical. The device comprises a reservoir including a mixing chamber and a delta tube inlet section attached to the mixing chamber for supplying a first mixture of a carrier gas and a vapor of the chemical to the mixing chamber. A dilution gas inlet section is also attached to the mixing chamber and supplies a stream of dilution gas to the mixing chamber to blend with the first mixture of the carrier gas and the vapor of the chemical resulting in a second mixture of the carrier gas, the vapor of the chemical, and the dilution gas. An exit port section attached to the mixing chamber directs the second mixture of the carrier gas, the vapor of the chemical, and the dilution gas to an analyzer or system after it emerges from the reservoir.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a breathing apparatus that is particularly well suited for use by water sports enthusiasts. The device provides a breath of air to a swimmer or surfer at depth without the use of compressed air tanks. Physically innocuous to the wearer, the device can be repeatedly recharged with minimal interruption to the sports activity.

Abstract: An in-line humidifier is disposed along the passageway of a breathing system. The humidifier includes a humidification chamber having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a reservoir. The humidifier includes a liquid trap which includes a chamber, a fluid inlet in communication with the liquid trap chamber, and a fluid outlet in communication with the liquid trap chamber. The liquid trap is constructed and arranged to discourage liquid from back-flowing from the humidifier to a source of gas.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly is provided. The assembly includes at least one post having a nasal engaging portion on about a first end thereof for delivering treatment gases to the nasal cavity of a patient. A mask having an inlet for receiving treatment gases from a fluid source and at least one receptacle for being sealably engaged with a respective one of the at least one post for delivering treatment gases from the inlet through the receptacle and into the nasal cavity of the patient is provided. The mask is configured for selective sealable engagement with the patient's mouth, patient's nose, or both the patient's mouth and the patient's nose.

Abstract: A system (10) and method of insufflating-exsufflating a subject (12) that enables monitoring and/or control over an enhanced set of breathing parameters during insufflation-exsuffiation. The system and/or method may include automatic triggering and/or notification to a caregiver of insufflation-exsuffiation. The insufflation-exsuffiation of the subject may be preceded by a secretion loosing routine that loosens secretions in the airway of the subject without moving the loosened secretions up the airway.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus is operable in self-contained and filtered modes of operation. In the self-contained mode of operation, a breathable gas is delivered to a user from a self-contained source of breathing gas. In a second, filtered mode of operation, a suction source draws ambient air through a filter removing contaminants and delivers filtered ambient air to the user. A method of delivering air to a subject is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to separate Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) utilizing standard whole blood harvesting techniques and separating the solution via centrifugation preparation. A pump is provided to pump PRP/Stem Cell solution from a centrifugation reservoir in to a nebulizer to aerosolize the PRP/Stem Cell solution in the nebulizer with oxygen. A patient will then inhale the aerosolized or vaporized PRP/Stem Cell solution into their respiratory system. Removal of any waste PRP/Stem Cell solution is provided by trapping the PRP/Stem Cells and any other biological matter other in a HEPA filter and allowing exhaled gasses to safely exit the from the Semi-Rebreathing Chamber.

Abstract: A system for keeping moisture in a vapor phase and for removing particles from a gas is described. The system includes a filter and a heating chamber. The filter is capable of being heated and includes a mechanical element that effectively regulates the heating of the filter. Heat production of the heating chamber is coupled to the proper insertion of the filter into the chamber, such that the filter closes an electrical switch in the heating chamber to allow for the production of heat. An exemplary use of the system is the keeping moisture in a vapor phase and removing pathogenic particles from the exhalation path of a ventilated subject.

Abstract: A circulation system for use in a rebreathe system includes a base and a fan assembly coupled to the base. The base includes a motor and a rotatable drive shaft coupled to the motor. The fan assembly includes a housing with an inlet and outlet. The fan assembly further includes a fan coupled to the drive shaft to rotate therewith and is fluidly isolated from the drive shaft.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus is operable in self-contained and filtered modes of operation. In the self-contained mode of operation, a breathable gas is delivered to a user from a self-contained source of breathing gas. In a second, filtered mode of operation, a suction source draws ambient air through a filter removing contaminants and delivers filtered ambient air to the user. A method of delivering air to a subject is also provided.

Abstract: A portable medical device for sedating a patient includes a first vessel with a first substance contained under pressure and a second vessel with a second substance contained under pressure. A Y-valve may be provided with a first inlet, a second inlet, an outlet, a first pressure control valve between the first inlet and the outlet, and a second pressure control valve between the second inlet and the outlet. Tubes may connect the first and second vessels and a face mask to the Y-valve. The first pressure control valve may be opened to permit a fluid flow of the first substance from the first vessel to the face mask, and the second pressure control valve may be opened to permit a fluid flow of the second substance from the second vessel to the face mask.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements to powered air purifying respirators (PAPR). PAPR are known generally for use in polluted environments. A typical PAPR comprises a powered impellor arranged to draw air from the atmosphere, a filter element and a mask to provide the filtered and pressurized air to the user. Embodiments of the present invention place a generator unit, comprising a filter and impellor for pressurizing the air, behind the head of the user, and include components for improving delivery of the air to the user and improving its quality.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator may rely on a pressure swing adsorption process to produce an oxygen enriched gas stream from canisters filled with granules capable of separation of oxygen from an air stream. The adsorption process uses a cyclical pressurization and venting of the canisters to generate an oxygen enriched gas stream. During venting of the canisters, use of oxygen as a purge gas may improve the efficiency and lifetime of the oxygen concentrator.

Abstract: A CPAP or other ventilation system includes a mask, a flow generator, a positive or high pressure line to provide positive or high pressure air from the flow generator to the mask and a vacuum or return line provided to actively extract exhaled gas from the breathing chamber and/or the air delivery conduit of the mask. The vacuum or return line includes a vent outlet preferably positioned remote from the mask.

Abstract: A device (FV) for filtering breathing gas has a housing (G) with a gas inlet (GE), a gas outlet (GA) and a filter (F), which is arranged in a first housing section (G1) formed between the gas inlet (GE) and the gas outlet (GA). The housing (G) has a second housing section (G2) gas-tightly separated from the first housing section (G1) with at least one first wall (W1, W2, W3), which establishes a thermal contact with a wall (W1, W2, W3) of the first housing section (G1). The second housing section (G2) has an opening on an outer side of the housing (G).

Abstract: A portable intake air sterilizing apparatus is disclosed, which allows prevention of a worker's infection with virus/bacteria and which can allow, at the same time, the worker to work comfortably. The apparatus includes a cover member C for covering one or both of the nose and the mouth, an air intake portion K for the inner space of the cover member C, and a chlorine dioxide slow-release portion J capable of releasing chlorine dioxide gas into an intake air in association with introduction of this intake air from the air intake portion K.

Abstract: A trans-fill method and system comprising obtaining therapeutic gas from a therapeutic gas source, compressing the therapeutic gas from the therapeutic gas source in at least two stages to create an intermediate therapeutic gas stream and a high pressure therapeutic gas stream, supplying therapeutic gas to a patient from the intermediate therapeutic gas stream, and filling a cylinder with the therapeutic gas from the high pressure therapeutic gas stream substantially simultaneously with supplying therapeutic gas to the patient.

Abstract: An air filter (1) particularly for use in a ventilator device for assisting respiratory function comprises: (i) a housing (3) with an air inlet (4) and an air outlet (6), and (ii) a filter material (8) in the path of air flow from the inlet (4) to the outlet (6). The filter material (8) is formed as a tubular body located at one of its ends around the air outlet (6) and being blanked (13) at its end opposite the air outlet (6). The air filter (1) further incorporates an electrostatically charged material (10) positioned at the blanked end (13) of the tubular body (8) to treat inlet air to the housing (3). This improves the life of the filter.

Abstract: Provided is a respiratory filter device having a filter module, a connection curved holder, an adjustable curved holder, and a mask. The filter module has a housing body, and both the connection curved holder and the adjustable curved holder have a respective free end and a respective connection end opposite to each other. The connection ends of the connection curved holder and the adjustable curved holder are connected with the filter module, and the free ends face to each other and form an opening between the free ends. The filter module is connected to the connection curved holder and the adjustable curved holder to define an accommodation space adjacent to the opening. Accordingly, the respiratory filter device can be worn on a user's head or neck directly by the accommodation space, for allowing the user to do other work when wearing the respiratory filter device.

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 portable gas delivery system includes a mouthpiece or nosepiece, a gas delivery pack and a medical cannula tubing assembly. The mouthpiece has an upper region with a one nose port and a lower region with a mouth port. The nosepiece conceals the cannula and includes at least one nose port. The gas delivery pack has a gas storage region, a gas compression region, a gas filtration region or a combination thereof. The nosepiece, allows the cannula to provide a snug fit into the nostrils forming a medical airtight delivery of oxygen to the nose. The system is adapted for use with a wireless transceiver for use with a cellular telephone or a personal music system and connected headphones. A single-sided, hollow modular sleeve conceals the mouthpiece or nosepiece and tubing assembly while attaching to a hat, helmet, eyeglass frame, telecommunications headset, or ear of a user.

Abstract: A respiratory therapy device in accordance with this disclosure includes a blower box and a patient circuit. The blower box is configured to provide aerosol and pressurized gas for delivery to a patient airway. The patient circuit is configured to deliver the aerosol and pressurized gas from the blower box to the patient airway.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for removing volatile anesthetics from an anesthesia or ventilation system to minimize the effects of malignant hyperthermia in susceptible patients. According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for removing volatile anesthetics is provided. A first filter component placed in fluid communication with an inspiratory limb of an anesthesia or ventilation system such that volatile anesthetics will pass through the first filter component during operation of the anesthesia or ventilation system. A second filter component is operably coupled to the expiration port of the anesthesia or ventilation system such that gases passing through the expiratory limb of the anesthesia or ventilation system pass through the second filter component. The first filter component and second filter component are adapted to effectively remove volatile anesthetics passing through the respective filters.

Abstract: A ventilator that is small, lightweight, and portable, yet capable of being quickly adapted to operate in a plurality of different modes and configurations to deliver a variety of therapies to a patent. A porting system having a plurality of sensors structured to monitor a number of parameters with respect to the flow of gas, and a number of porting blocks is used to reconfigure the ventilator so that it operates as a single-limb or dual limb ventilator. In the single-limb configuration, an active or passive exhaust assembly can be provided proximate to the patient. The ventilator is capable of operate in a volume or pressure support mode, even in a single-limb configuration. In addition, a power control mechanism controls the supply of power to the ventilator from an AC power source, a lead acid battery, an internal rechargeable battery pack, and a detachable battery pack.

Abstract: A first source of medical gas has a generally cylindrical male outlet with a cylindrical bore and a threaded outer cylindrical surface. A flexible cylindrical elastomeric medical gas tubing has an input end with a bushing making a flush abutment with the male outlet at the output orifice. An output end attaches to any of a plurality of medical gas utilizing devices, but preferably with a dampening disperser held in position in the space in the vicinity of a patient's nose and mouth. An annular flange of the input end bushing resides within a central cylindrical bored out region extending through the first end and nearly to the second end of a rotatable connector forming an interior surface of a connector with threads coupling with the threads of the male outlet. The second end is an annular abutment against the annular flange holding the input end tubing bushing against the outlet source and providing an airtight coupling. A gripping means is on the exterior surface of the connector.

Abstract: An adaptor includes a housing and a plurality of blades disposed inside the housing. The adaptor can be utilized with a breathing assist device such as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. Air flowing through an air flow path defined by the two ends of the housing is delivered for use. The blades within the housing are aligned in a direction parallel to the air flow path. The blades within the housing can be parallel, zigzag or chevron shape and are designed to facilitate condensation of water from the air flowing over the blades. The adaptor will reduce rain-out effect in the breathing device.

Abstract: A self-contained respiratory protection system is disclosed. The system includes a center module attachable to one or more cylinders of air, gas or oxygen. A plurality of filters is mountable on the center module. A blower motor also may be mounted on the center module. A hose attaches to a cylinder to provide air to an operator or draws filtered air via the filters on the center module. A first stage regulator converts the air in the cylinder to breathable air for the operator. A second stage regulator transitions between filter mode and supplied air. The system may fit within a backpack.

Abstract: A system for preventing the delivery of hypoxic gases during respiratory support of a patient includes a breathing circuit. An input device is operable by a clinician to input at least one ventilator parameter value. A fresh gas manifold is pneumatically connected to the breathing circuit and the fresh gas manifold is configured to provide at least oxygen and balanced gas to the breathing circuit. A digital signal processor is communicatively connected to the input device and the fresh gas manifold. The digital signal processor receives the input at least one ventilation parameter value, calculate a predicted oxygen concentration, and compares the predicted oxygen concentration to a predetermined minimal oxygen required threshold of the patient. A method of preventing the delivery of hypoxic gases to a patient includes providing ventilatory support to the patient through a breathing circuit. A digital signal processor receives a ventilation parameter value from an input device.

Abstract: A ventilation air pressure oscillation mitigation device for a ventilator includes a housing defining an inlet and an outlet. The device includes a valve seat defining a primary opening and a plurality of secondary openings. A valve body is selectively positionable in a first position and a second position within the device. In the first position, substantially all of a first flow of ventilation air from the inlet to the outlet passes through the primary opening. When the valve body is in the second position, all of a second flow of ventilation air from the inlet to the outlet passes through the plurality of secondary openings. An actuator controls a position of the valve body.

Abstract: The processing of gas mixtures, in particular, of respiration gases for ventilated patients. The processing according to the invention relates, in particular, to the use of selective gas separation membranes for the retention of noble gases in the exhaled air of ventilated patients. The gas separation membrane is an active separator which is integrated in a ventilator. The separation membrane separates the noble gases from the remainder of the residual of the exhaled air by selectively retaining the noble gases. Thus, it is possible to provide a ventilator which enables the application of noble gases, in particular xenon, as an anesthetic preferably with low loss and as simple as possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular, portable, air purifier and mask device capable of supplying filtered or otherwise conditioned airflow to an individual. More specifically, the present invention provides a modular air purification system that allows for the selection of multiple types of air treatment modules, power modules and mask devices. Through selective combination of a variety of modules, a desired air quality and condition is achieved.

Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator includes a pressure swing absorption system defined by a relatively rigid housing adapted to generate a flow of oxygen enriched gas and a battery adapted to provide power to the pressure swing absorption system. The oxygen concentrator has a total weight of less than about 10 lbs, has a maximum flow of 100% O2 equivalent gas of about 0.9 lpm, has a total volume less than about 800 in3, and gas a battery life of at least about 8 hours. The present invention also using a liquefaction or transfill system in combination with such an oxygen concentrator.

Abstract: A gas mask and breathing equipment is provided with a circuit for breathing gas and with a heat exchanger (7) cooled by an evaporating agent. The evaporating agent is introduced from an evaporating agent container (8) into the heat exchanger (7) via at least one group of spraying elements (9) and a gas delivery means (11) allows a gas volume flow to flow through the heat exchanger (7).