Abstract: An improvement for existing breathing therapy machines which allows the machine to determine a patient's dominant respiratory phenotype using an auto-titration mode and flow sensor.

Abstract: A feature implemented in a CPAP breathing therapy machine to determine if the patient is suffering from a flow limitation condition and if so, altering the operation of the CPAP machine to attempt to alleviate the condition.

Abstract: An improvement for existing breathing therapy machines which seeks the optimum therapy pressure using an auto-adjust algorithm.

Abstract: A canister assembly for use with a medical suction or aspiration device having a ball float assembly defined in the lid. The lid accepts a replaceable filter cartridge containing a filter element. The ball float engages the replaceable filter cartridge when the canister is near full.

Abstract: A feature implemented in a CPAP breathing therapy machine to determine if the patient is suffering from a flow limitation condition and if so, altering the operation of the CPAP machine to attempt to alleviate the condition.

Abstract: An improvement for existing breathing therapy machines which seeks the optimum therapy pressure using an auto-adjust algorithm.

Abstract: An improvement for existing breathing therapy machines which allows the machine to determine a patient's dominant respiratory phenotype using an auto-titration mode and flow sensor.

Abstract: An improvement to a breathing therapy machine to detect and rate occurrences of periodic breathing and to alter the therapy delivered to a user of the device based on the rating.

Abstract: A canister assembly for use with a medical suction or aspiration device having a ball float assembly defined in the lid. The lid accepts a replaceable filter cartridge containing a filter element. The ball float engages the replaceable filter cartridge when the canister is near full.

Abstract: A design for a mask capable of use with a breathing therapy machine which allows rotation of the mask portion with respect to the remainder of the mask and provides a connection member for the connection to the hose of the breathing therapy machine which splits into two hoses and allows for the crimping of the connection without obstructing airflow.

Abstract: A device for confirming compliance with usage of a breathing gas delivery system that includes at least one sensor for monitoring operating data disposed within the breathing gas delivery system and a device for encoding the monitored operating data and displaying the encoded operating data for reporting to another location.

Abstract: An improved humidification method and apparatus for use with a CPAP type machine in which humidified air is delivered to the patient only during the inhalation phase and non-humidified air is delivered to the patient during the exhalation phase. The invention consists of a valve apparatus to switch from humidified air to non-humidified air and a method of determining when to switch the state of the valve.

Abstract: An integral regulator and gauge for a vacuum device consists of a circular regulator having the vacuum gauge inside thereof such that the regulator and gauge rotate about a common radial axis. An opening defined in a boss extending from the bottom of the regulator engages a sloped shoulder defined on the inside surface of a circular port in which the regulator is disposed, varying the size of an opening which allows air to bleed into the vacuum chamber to regulate the strength of the vacuum.

Abstract: A method for controlling the transitions between two different pressures supplied by a breathing therapy device using a transition pressure profile for which the basic shape, the magnitude and the duration may be controlled by a user of the device or the user's therapist.

Abstract: An integral regulator and gauge for a vacuum device consists of a circular regulator having the vacuum gauge inside thereof such that the regulator and gauge rotate about a common radial axis. An opening defined in a boss extending from the bottom of the regulator engages a sloped shoulder defined on the inside surface of a circular port in which the regulator is disposed, varying the size of an opening which allows air to bleed into the vacuum chamber to regulate the strength of the vacuum.

Abstract: A canister for use with a medical suction or aspiration device has a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The first fluid chamber has an inlet. The second fluid chamber has an outlet port. A splash baffle is disposed between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber. The splash baffle has an aperture formed therethrough to allow for fluid flow from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. An absorbent valve having voids is disposed within the second fluid chamber and engages a portion of the outlet port. The absorbent valve restricting fluid permeability upon contact with fluid from the first fluid chamber to restrict fluid flow through the outlet port.

Abstract: A vacuum regulator has a vacuum range controller and a manifold including an inlet opening, a vacuum source connection, and a bleed orifice. The vacuum range controller includes a regulator stem having a metering tip, a stem body, and an adjustment rod. The metering tip is selectively positioned against the bleed orifice. The vacuum range controller further includes a vacuum adjuster having an adjustment collar and a resilient member which are coaxially disposed on a portion of the regulator stem. An adjustment knob engages the adjustment rod for concurrent rotational movement therewith.

Abstract: A method for controlling the transitions between two different pressures supplied by a breathing therapy device using a transition pressure profile for which the basic shape, the magnitude and the duration may be controlled by a user of the device or the user's therapist.

Abstract: A method for acclimating a CPAP therapy patient to a prescribed pressure while the patient falls asleep. During an initial startup period, the CPAP apparatus applies a therapeutic IPAP pressure to the patient's airway and a lower initial EPAP pressure to the patient's airway. The EPAP pressure is ramped up to the IPAP pressure over a sufficient time for the patient to fall asleep. In a modified embodiment, both the initial IPAP pressure and the initial EPAP pressure are less than the prescribed therapeutic pressure. The IPAP and EPAP pressures are then independently ramped up to the prescribed therapeutic pressure.