Abstract: An improved air pulse generator produces high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) and has an improved user interface. The user interface allows the patient to select from a plurality of modes, which correspond to stored treatment protocols. Once selected, the air pulse generator performs the protocol corresponding to the selected mode.

Abstract: A pneumatic chest compression vest is disclosed for the purposes of clearing the lungs of mucus and producing quality sputum samples for analysis. The vest is comprised of a first portion that has an air bladder mounted on its inner surface that applies a compressive force to the region of the chest that encompasses the lungs. The vest is removably adjustable and extends around a patient to hold the vest in the correct position for fitting and during treatment.

Abstract: An airway clearance system and method produces high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) and increased airflow velocities through the air passages to clear the lungs of mucus. The system includes a chest wall force applicator to produce the HFCWO by applying an oscillating force component and a steady state (or bias line) force component. An air pressure input mouthpiece system that supplies airflow to a mouthpiece with a steady state, air component which tends to counteract or cancel the bias line force component.

Abstract: A pneumatic chest compression vest is disclosed for the purposes of clearing the lungs of mucus and producing quality sputum samples for analysis. The vest is comprised of a belt and a front panel which has an air bladder that applies a compressive force to the region of the chest that encompasses the lungs mounted on its inner surface. The belt extends around a patient to hold the vest in the correct position during treatment.

Abstract: An improved air pulse generator produces high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) and has reduced size and weight. The air pulse generator has an air pulse module within a housing that is substantially comprised of plastic. In addition, the air pulse module has a reduced flywheel operating a pair of balanced diaphragm assemblies which significantly reduces the size and weight of the air pulse generator.

Abstract: An improved air pulse generator smooths air flow between two balanced diaphragm assemblies to reduce noise and vibration forces. The diaphragm assemblies pulse in a manner that further reduces the vibration forces. Additionally, supports may be included inside the housing that reduce vibration forces for an improved air pulse generator.

Abstract: An improved method of producing high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) includes generating oscillating pneumatic pressure and applying an oscillating force to a patient's chest that corresponds to the oscillating pneumatic pressure. The frequency of oscillations changes according to a prescribed treatment regimen.

Abstract: An improved air pulse generator produces high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) and has an improved air pulse generator. The air pulse module has a reduced size and improved shape for ease of use by a patient.

Abstract: An improved air pulse generator produces high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) and includes means for internal heat dissipation. Internal heat generated by an internal diaphragm motor is dissipated by having a portion of the air chamber associated with the diaphragm motor being comprised of metal, by shaping a support associated with the diaphragm motor to allow increased air circulation around the diaphragm motor and positioning a vent in the housing of the air pulse generator that maximizes the release of heat from the diaphragm motor. Internal heat generated by internal electronic circuitry on a control board is dissipated by a heatsink attached to the control board.

Abstract: An improved method of producing high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) includes generating oscillating pneumatic pressure and applying an oscillating force to a patient's chest that corresponds to the oscillating pneumatic pressure according to a protocol. The patient selects from a plurality of modes corresponding to protocols that change the oscillation frequency over time, while maintaining the bias line pressure.

Abstract: An improved air pulse generator produces high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) and has an improved user interface. The user interface allows the patient to select from a plurality of modes, which correspond to stored treatment protocols. Once selected, the air pulse generator performs the protocol corresponding to the selected mode.

Abstract: An improved air pulse generator produces high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) and has an electronic control to supply drive signals to a diaphragm motor, which drives a pair of diaphragm assemblies for oscillating air within the air pulse generator. The drive signals maintain angular velocity of the diaphragm motor despite a varying load on the diaphragm motor.

Abstract: A portable high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) apparatus for the purposes of airway lung clearance and ventilation includes a circumferential chest band which is placed around a person's chest and a drive which is connected to the chest band for cyclically varying the circumference of the chest band to apply an oscillating compressive force to the chest of the person. The apparatus maintains the oscillating compressive force applied by the chest band to the chest of the person at a substantially constant level such that the person is able to continue chest expansions and contractions during a breathing cycle.

Abstract: A pneumatic chest compression vest is disclosed for the purposes of clearing the lungs of mucus and producing quality sputum samples for analysis. The vest is comprised of a belt and a front panel which has an air bladder that applies a compressive force to the region of the chest that encompasses the lungs mounted on its inner surface. The belt extends around a patient to hold the vest in the correct position during treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is a gas separator for separating a gas mixture into a product gas. The gas separator has an adsorbent bed including a separation chamber with first and second ports and a molecular sieve material contained in the separation chamber. A first pumping chamber is connected to the first port. A first valve regulates a flow of the gas mixture between the first port and the first pumping chamber. A first piston is located in the first pumping chamber. A second pumping chamber is connected to the second port. A second valve regulates a flow of the product gas between the second port and the second pumping chamber. A second piston is located in the second pumping chamber. A drive system coordinates operation of the first and second pistons and the first and second valves in a cycle including a pressurization stage, a gas shift stage, and a depressurization stage.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing sputum samples for diagnosing pulmonary disorders, especially as it relates to detection of early stages of lung cancer. The apparatus is comprised of a pneumatic chest compression vest, a pneumatic pressure generator, and a mouthpiece connected to a nebulizer. Sputum samples are induced by applying an oscillating force to the chest via the pneumatic chest compression vest and pressure generator, while simultaneously providing an aerosolized solution (such as normal or hypertonic saline) via the nebulizer while the patient is standing. The sample is subsequently evaluated to ascertain a patient's risk of or the presence of a pulmonary disorder such as lung cancer.