Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system and method of monitoring the alertness or wakefulness of a driver. The monitored parameters include cardiac, respiratory and movement parameters. Sensors are located in various locations of the driver side section to detect the vigilance of a driver. These sensors include pressure sensors embedded in the seat and pedals, and a head band for monitoring EEG, EMG and EOG signals.

Abstract: A system including a mask to detect an EEG signal and to deliver a gas, the mask having a forehead support extending from the body and adapted to contact a forehead surface of the patient during use, the forehead support having a plurality of sensors located thereon for detecting electrophysiological signals of the patient, with the plurality of sensors including EEG sensors positioned proximate to FP1/FP2 standard electrode placement positions of the patient, a gas delivery device in fluid communication with the mask and having an adjustable gas output, and a control system for determining a sleep stage from EEG signals detected by the mask and adjusting a gas delivery device based on the sleep stage.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system and method of monitoring the alertness or wakefulness of a driver. The monitored parameters include cardiac, respiratory and movement parameters. Sensors are located in various locations of the driver side section to detect the vigilance of a driver. These sensors include pressure sensors embedded in the seat and pedals, and a head band for monitoring EEG, EMG and EOG signals.

Abstract: The present invention is a breathing mask that is fully adjustable so as to enable a comfortable and leak proof seal around a patient's face. The mask includes a frame, a cushion, a hose connector, a strap, connector, a strap, and a headgear. The present invention ensures both comfort and effectiveness by enabling a full adjustment of various components such as the angle of the strap relative to the face mask and the adjustment of the size of the headgear. Furthermore, the present invention also allows for the free rotation of certain elements in order to maintain a sufficient seal without increasing the pressure applied to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system and method of monitoring the alertness or wakefulness of a driver. The monitored parameters include cardiac, respiratory and movement parameters. Sensors are located in various locations of the driver side section to detect the vigilance of a driver. These sensors include pressure sensors embedded in the seat and pedals, and a head band for monitoring EEG, EMG and EOG signals.

Abstract: The present invention monitors and interprets physiological signals and spontaneous breathing events to detect the onset of arousal. Once the onset of arousal is determined, the present invention determines adjustments that are needed in the operation of a therapeutic device to avoid or minimize arousals. In one embodiment, the present invention includes one or more sensors which detect a patient's physiological parameters, a controller which monitors and determines the onset of arousal based on the physiological variables received from the sensor, and a therapeutic treatment device which is controlled by the controller. The sensor can be a combination of one or more devices which are able to monitor a physiological parameter that is used by the present invention to determine the onset of arousal or the onset of a sleep disorder. The sensors can be integrated into one unit or may operate independent of the others.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a test signal generator capable of producing an impedance test signal comprising of a sine wave having a known frequency. The test signal generator may include a crystal oscillator, a counter, and a lookup table. The lookup table output is applied to a digital to analog converter and is then low pass filtered using a conventional analog filter to produce a sine wave of a known frequency and voltage amplitude. The test signal flows through the electrode and combines with an electrophysiological signal to form a combined signal. A signal processor is used to isolate the combined signal into the test signal component and the electrophysiological component. The signal processor digitally low pass filters the combined signal and the output of the low pass filter is the electrophysiological signal. The signal processor then digitally bandpass filters the combined signal using a filter with a center frequency which is the same as the test frequency.

Abstract: The present invention includes an asymmetric inductive band that preferably has a conductor affixed from a first edge of a conductor substrate and looped across said substrate. A first and a second section of the conductor preferably is formed having “hairpin-like” features at some or all intermediate endpoints, or pivot locations, at discrete points along the length thereof. In addition, the first and the second section are arranged in an asymmetric relation to each other and, in general, each, of the hairpin-like features do not preferably directly oppose another of said features. The hairpins are preferably connected by a sawtooth shaped conductor that also contributes to the change in self-inductance when stretched, in addition to the apex, or hairpin, shape of the conductor.

Abstract: The present invention is a breathing mask that is fully adjustable so as to enable a comfortable and leak proof seal around a patient's face. The mask includes a frame, a cushion, a hose connector, a strap, connector, a strap, and a headgear. The present invention ensures both comfort and effectiveness by enabling a full adjustment of various components such as the angle of the strap relative to the face mask and the adjustment of the size of the headgear. Furthermore, the present invention also allows for the free rotation of certain elements in order to maintain a sufficient seal without increasing the pressure applied to the patient.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for the measurement of electrophysiological signals and including a conductive bridge is provided. In one embodiment, the conductive bridge is provided by an expandable member with an absorbent material attached to one end. An aperture extends through the expandable member, forming a cavity well. Addition of a conductive medium to the cavity well allows the conductive bridge to provide a conductive pathway between an electrode and a patient's skin.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes an EEG system comprising of sensors which are utilized to gather an electromagnetic signal from a patient; a signal processing system; and a computer system. The computer system is configured to support multiple threads of execution. The computer system initiates a first thread of execution, a measurement module, where the data is filtered and in some cases averaged. Typically, the data is filtered for a particular latency period. Once the data has been filtered and averaged, the result is given to a second thread of execution, the source reconstruction module, which then proceeds to generate a source reconstruction for the trial. The measurement module then acquires and processes new electromagnetic data from a new trial while the source reconstruction is being performed on the most recent trial.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes an EEG system comprising of sensors which are utilized to gather an electromagnetic signal from a patient; a signal processing system; and a computer system. The computer system is configured to support multiple threads of execution. The computer system initiates a first thread of execution, a measurement module, where the data is filtered and in some cases averaged. Typically, the data is filtered for a particular latency period. Once the data has been filtered and averaged, the result is given to a second thread of execution, the source reconstruction module, which then proceeds to generate a source reconstruction for the trial. The measurement module then acquires and processes new electromagnetic data from a new trial while the source reconstruction is being performed on the most recent trial.

Abstract: The present invention involves the creation of an appropriate model and the use of that model to generate a best fit dipole represented by a vector (x, y, z). Once the best fit dipole is generated, a best fit field distribution and a field distribution of a modified dipole is created. Using a difference between the field distributions, a Singular Value Decomposition is used to compute the main axes of the confidence ellipsoids.

Abstract: The systems of the present invention provide improved accuracy in monitoring, analysing, detecting, predicting and/or providing alerts and alarms associated with depth of anaesthesia, depth of consciousness, hypnotic state, sedation depth, fatigue or vigilance of a subject, with as few as 3 surface electrodes. The systems incorporate real-time phase, amplitude and frequency analysis of a subject's electro-encephalogram. The systems weight outputs of various types of analyses to produce an integrated analysis or display for precise indication or alert to users of the systems including anaesthetists, nurses and other medical personnel, transport drivers and machine workers.

Abstract: The subject invention overcomes the problem of electrical interference in signals taken during an MRI procedure by using a long cable and a unity gain buffer amplifier near the patient, with a low output impedance to drive the cable and thus greatly reduce the capacitively coupled interference. Passive low pass filtering is incorporated prior to the buffer amplifier to attenuate high frequency interference from the MRI system. Since the buffer amplifier requires no digital signals and does not emit high frequency signals, it does not interfere with the MRI system.

Abstract: The invention provides a nasal cushion for a mask assembly for delivering pressurised gas to the nose of a subject for treatment with continuous positive air pressure. The nasal cushion includes a self-supporting side wall defining a nose-receiving cavity; the side wall extending from a first end to a second end. The side wall is formed continuously with a thin membrane extending inwardly from a second end of the side wall into the nose-receiving cavity for sealingly engaging the nose, upper lip and cheeks of a subject. The side wall has continuously varying thickness. The first end of the side wall is adapted to engage a mask frame. The invention further provides a mask assembly for delivering pressurised gas to a patient, the assembly including a nasal cushion for sealing against the nose, cheek and-lip area the nasal cushion as described, a frame for receiving the nasal cushion, and a headgear, the headgear including a rigid arm for positioning behind the ear of a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breathing mask for use in monitoring a patient. The mask can have sensors on the body of the mask and on the associated straps or caps. The mask can be used to monitor breathing problems or to monitor a patient during anesthesia. The data acquired from the mask sensors and related sensors can be stored or fed into a computer to analyze the patient's condition and provide feedback information.

Abstract: A flow sensing apparatus for detecting fluid flow rate and direction is described. The flow sensing apparatus includes a flow-responsive element projecting into the fluid flow path, and a position sensor which detects the degree and direction of any change in position of the flow responsive element in response to the fluid flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an electrophysiological signal within a magnetically sensitive apparatus comprises a stretchable elastic cap having a plurality of electrode holders designed to be filled with a conductive electrolyte. Electrodes are disposed within the electrode holders and leads extend from the electrodes. The electrodes and the leads are made of a non-ferromagnetic conductive material.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a vigilance state of a subject such as a driver of a vehicle or the like. The apparatus includes means (1 to 11) for monitoring one or more physiological variables such as EEG, EMG and EOG signals associated with the subject. The apparatus also includes means (13 to 16) for deriving from the one or more variables data representing physiological states of the subject corresponding to the or each variable and means (17) for determining from the data with the vigilance state of the subject is below a predetermined threshold. The apparatus may include means for intervening with the control of the vehicle in the event that the vigilance state of the driver is below the predetermined threshold.