Abstract: A ventilator including a pneumatic system for providing and receiving breathing gas, and a controller operatively coupled with the pneumatic system. The controller is operable to control circulation by the pneumatic system of breathing gas to and from a patient, and to adjust at least one of a volume and pressure of breathing gas delivered to the patient, such adjustment being based upon elastic properties of a component used to fluidly couple the pneumatic system to a patient.

Abstract: A device for encouraging and exercising limb movement of patients who have been affected by a stroke, brain injury, or other orthopedic conditions is provided. The device is preferably designed to encourage the slightest movement present in the limbs so that the limbs are initially encouraged and practiced. Preferably, the device is designed to displace the weight of the limb (upper extremity or lower extremity) allowing the patient the opportunity to practice using the slightest amount of available active range of motion (ROM). In one implementation, the device includes a teeter-totter balancing beam, a shaft and a base. The balancing beam is pivotably connected to the shaft via joint member and is designed to pivot laterally about the joint member.

Abstract: An exercise device is disclosed. The exercise device includes an ankle rest structure and a housing. Within the housing, a drive mechanism is provided that is connected to the ankle rest structure. The drive mechanism moves the ankle rest in a reciprocating motion along a generally horizontal plane. The exercise device also includes a knee rest structure spaced away from the ankle rest and connected to the housing. In one embodiment, the knee rest is movable in a horizontal and vertical direction with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A self-rescuer comprising a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); and a smart light; wherein the smart light comprises a battery; a light bulb; circuitry connecting the battery to the light bulb; a detector for detecting the presence of a hazardous atmospheric condition; and alert apparatus connected to the detector for alerting a user when a hazardous atmospheric condition is detected by the detector, and further wherein the alert apparatus is connected to the circuitry and configured so as to flash the light bulb when a hazardous atmospheric condition is detected.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for compensating for leakage when determining the respiratory mechanics of a patient during delivery of gas from a medical ventilator to a patient. The systems and methods include monitoring an instantaneous flow in the ventilation system based on one or more measurements of pressure and flow in ventilation system. The leakage is modeled using a predetermined leakage model. A leak-compensated instantaneous lung flow of gas inhaled or exhaled by the patient is estimated. Using the leak-compensated lung flow and a predetermined respiratory mechanics model, the respiratory mechanics of a patient may be estimated including at least one of a leak-compensated lung compliance and a leak-compensated lung resistance. The method may include using a dynamic respiratory mechanics model or a static respiratory mechanics model that requires use of a pause maneuver to collect the necessary data.

Abstract: An exercise machine which includes a frame which is connected to a series of pivotable links. A user sits on one of the links and applies force, typically with his legs, to a drive link. At least two of the links are connected by some form of resistance, such as hydraulic cylinder. When the user presses against one of the links, resistance is applied, through the links, by the weight of the user and the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: Closed system breathable gas regeneration systems comprising temperature swing adsorption (“TSA”) using metabolic regeneration, such systems being useful for EVA in extraterrestrial environments having hostile atmospheres.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an underwater exercise and physical therapy device for joint release and spinal adjustment wherein a tube is worn on a user's upper body and weights are worn on the user's feet in a water tank having a predetermined depth wherein his feet are spaced apart from the bottom surface thereof to carry out underwater exercise and physical therapy by using the buoyant force of the tube and the gravity of the weights, thereby enabling his joints to be released, making his muscles reformed, and further adjusting and preventing his spinal diseases.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise device including a frame having a pivot axis, a foot link, a coupling, a swing arm, an engagement mechanism, and a guide system. The foot link has rearward, forward and foot support portions. The foot support portion has a central location. The coupling couples the rearward portion to the pivot axis so that the rearward portion of each foot link travels in a closed path relative to the pivot axis. The engagement mechanism has a first portion coupled to the swing arm and a second portion coupled to the foot link at a location rearward of the central location. The guide system supports the forward portion of the foot link along a preselected reciprocating path of travel as the rearward portion of the foot link travels along its path of travel. The guide system is selectably positionable in a plurality of different positions.

Abstract: A strength training control device comprises: a torque source (including a base frame, a motor and a gear reduction box); a drive arm, an operating rod, and a link mechanism. A beam-type load cell is coupled to the operating rod, the link mechanism, and the drive arm for measuring the load value. An electronic meter is provided for setting a torque value, and a servo controller for comparing a load value of beam-type load cell with a set value of the electronic meter. After the difference value is adjusted, an electric current is outputted to drive the motor, and the motor torque is amplified by the gear reduction box and transmitted through the link mechanism to the operating rod, and users can obtain a torque value equal to the setting of the electronic meter.

Abstract: A respiratory anesthesia mask has an exposed face. The mask has an interior periphery in a continuous loop to fit a face of a patient. The mask having a centrally located exterior cylinder adapted to couple with a source of respiratory anesthesia gas. The mask has an intermediate section in a generally frusto-conical configuration between the interior periphery and the tube. Eyelid closure and protection equipment is received and supported on the face of the intermediate section of the mask. The closure and protection equipment includes two repositionable adhesive strips with interior and exterior surfaces. The closure and protection equipment includes temporary adhesive on the interior surface of the repositionable adhesive strip. In this manner, the repositionable adhesive strips are removably coupled to the face of the intermediate section of the mask.

Abstract: A pharyngeal airway having a pharyngeal wall of a patient at least partially surrounding and defining the airway is treated by selecting an implant dimensioned so as to be implanted at or beneath a mucosal layer of the pharyngeal wall and extending transverse to said wall. The implant has mechanical characteristics for the implant, at least in combination with a fibrotic tissue response induced by the implant, to stiffen said pharyngeal wall to resist radial collapse. The implant is implanted into the pharyngeal wall transverse to a longitudinal axis of the airway.

Abstract: A strength training control device comprises: a torque source (including a base frame, a motor and a gear reduction box); and a link mechanism (including a gearbox arm, a first link rod, a second link rod, and an operating rod arm), wherein a S-type load cell is coupled to the first link rod and the second link rod to sense a load value. The control device further comprises: an operating rod, an electronic meter for setting a torque value, and a servo controller for comparing a load value of S-type load cell with a set value of the electronic meter. After the difference value is adjusted, an electric current is outputted to drive the motor, and the motor torque is amplified by the gear reduction box and transmitted through the link mechanism to the operating rod, and users can obtain a torque value equal to the setting of the electronic meter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a treadmill or similar exercise device which utilizes a principally arm driven belt, but includes a motor assist which provides for additional drive to the belt. The motor assist device may constructively or destructively interact with the user provided motive force via the arms. Generally, the motor will allow for the device to utilize incline as well as to make the device easier to start from rest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wound dressing and in particular a wound dressing for application to the sacrum of a patient. The wound dressing is an absorbent pad having one or more lines about which the dressing can fold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a patient's body temperature and in particular for inducing therapeutic hypothermia. Various embodiments of the system are described. The system includes: a source of breathing gas, which may be in the form of a compressed breathing gas mixture; a heat exchanger or other heating and/or cooling device; and a breathing interface, such as a breathing mask or tracheal tube. Optionally, the system may include additional features, such as a mechanical respirator, a nebulizer for introducing medication into the breathing gas, a body temperature probe and a feedback controller. The system can use air or a specialized breathing gas mixture, such as He/O.sub.2 or SF/O.sub.2 to increase the heat transfer rate. In addition, the system may include an ice particle generator for introducing fine ice particles into the flow of breathing gas to further increase the heat transfer rate.

Abstract: A breathing protective device comprising a tubular elongated filter housing defining at least one wall between a first end and a second end, said wall having at least one opening, a filter in the filter house and a mouthpiece having an air canal with an opening arranged to be introduced into and held in the user's mouth whereby said filter house extends parallel to a line between the corners of the user's mouth, said air canal being in communication with at least one space within said housing for filtered inhalation air and exhalation air respectively, and wherein either the filter or the filter with the housing is disposable, wherein said filter is arranged to separate a first space from a second space and in that said air canal is arranged to enable supply of inhalation air from said first space via said filter and to enable exhalation air to escape via said opening from said second space.

Abstract: An exercise table which finds use in Pilates exercising includes an outer framework, a slidably movable support platform, and a foot bar against which a user's feet can be engaged while sliding the support platform against the bias of springs by extending and retracting the user's legs. The frame has supporting legs which are tapered inwardly and downwardly so that one exercise table can be nestably stacked on another by inserting the tapered legs of an overlying exercise table through an opening in the frame of an underlying table until the frames themselves are closely adjacent. The foot bar, shoulder blocks, and pulleys used in operation of the table are also movable between elevated use positions and lowered storage positions to facilitate closely adjacent nestable stacking of identical exercise tables. Various systems are disclosed for accommodating different sized individuals while retaining desired resistance from resilient elements incorporated into the table.

Abstract: An absorptive article in which a terminal section of a sensor is less likely to be damaged in production, packaging, and transportation. An output terminal (115) of a sensor member (110) is placed at a side end of a front edge (180) of a urine pad (100). The side end of the front edge (180) is constructed only from a front face sheet (105) and a rear face sheet (106). The front face sheet (105) and the rear face sheet (106) are not joined together and are separably arranged. When the urine pad (100) is not in use, the output terminal (115) is covered by the front face sheet (105) and the rear face sheet (106). In use, the front face sheet (105) and the rear face sheet (106) are separated in the thickness direction and the output terminal (115) of the sensor member (110) is exposed.

Abstract: A device for positioning an infant patient in a clinically preferred position for conducting a lumbar puncture includes a board, a positioning member adjustably coupled to the board, and a locking device coupled to the positioning member for locking the positioning member in a position relative to one or both of the board or the patient. The positioning member may be configured to induce the patient into a clinically preferred position for performing a lumbar puncture on the patient.