Abstract: A method of identifying a particular mask for a patient for use in delivering a flow of breathing gas to the patient is carried out by first receiving a 2-D frontal image of the patient. Next, 3-D facial information of the patient is determined from the 2-D frontal image. At least some of the 3-D facial information is compared with dimensional information of a plurality of candidate masks. Finally, the particular mask for the patient is determined from a result of the comparison of the at least some of the 3-D facial information and the dimensional information of the plurality of candidate masks.

Abstract: The present application describes a system for curing moldable material. The system comprises an energy source, a mold, and/or other components. The mold comprises internal mold surfaces forming a mold cavity. The mold is formed from one or more materials configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation emitted by the energy source. The mold has a hot zone and a cold zone. The hot zone and the cold zone have the one or more materials thereof comprising at least one different physical characteristic so that the hot zone and the cold zone absorb the electromagnetic radiation at different rates and/or in different amounts. The hot zone absorbs more electromagnetic radiation than, and/or electromagnetic radiation faster than, the cold zone.

Abstract: A patient interface for use in delivering a flow of a breathing gas to an airway of a patient includes a body that defines a cavity therein that is structured to receive the flow of breathing gas. A first aperture defined in the body is positioned and structured to communicate the flow of breathing gas from the cavity to an airway of the patient. A second aperture defined in the body is sized and configured to provide a pathway between the cavity and an ambient environment in which the body is disposed. The patient interface further includes a restrictor element that is selectively coupled to the body. The restrictor element includes a blocking portion that obstructs at least a portion of the second aperture.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a customized product overcomes the shortcomings of conventional manufacturing methodologies. This is achieved according to one embodiment of the present invention by providing a method of manufacturing a customized product that employs a fabrication environment that includes a plurality of patients in need of a customized product, and a plurality of manufacturers who employ additive manufacturing equipment that is capable of manufacturing customized products, and a computer that identifies correspondence between patients and manufacturers in order to enable a specification of a customized product that is customized for a particular patient to be forwarded to an appropriate manufacturer along with an instruction to manufacture the customized product.

Abstract: The present system is configured to absorb, using a fluid medium in a reservoir, electromagnetic radiation to heat the fluid medium. The fluid medium may then conduct heat into a mold cavity formed by interior mold surfaces of at least two mold pieces. The fluid medium may heat up to, but not beyond, a phase transition temperature of the fluid medium, reducing instances of accidental damage to moldable material in a mold cavity during thermally-accelerated curing of the moldable material. In some instances a mold may be placed in liquid contained by the reservoir. In some instances, a mold may have integral reservoirs in individual mold pieces.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a customized product overcomes the shortcomings of conventional manufacturing methodologies. This is achieved according to one embodiment of the present invention by providing a method of manufacturing a customized product that employs a fabrication environment that includes a plurality of patients in need of a customized product, and a plurality of manufacturers who employ additive manufacturing equipment that is capable of manufacturing customized products, and a computer that identifies correspondence between patients and manufacturers in order to enable a specification of a customized product that is customized for a particular patient to be forwarded to an appropriate manufacturer along with an instruction to manufacture the customized product.

Abstract: The present application describes a system for curing moldable material. The system comprises an energy source, a mold, and/or other components. The mold comprises internal mold surfaces forming a mold cavity. The mold is formed from one or more materials configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation emitted by the energy source. The mold has a hot zone and a cold zone. The hot zone and the cold zone have the one or more materials thereof comprising at least one different physical characteristic so that the hot zone and the cold zone absorb the electromagnetic radiation at different rates and/or in different amounts. The hot zone absorbs more electromagnetic radiation than, and/or electromagnetic radiation faster than, the cold zone.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8, 8?) for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient includes a grooved adjustment mechanism (20, 58, 78) having a main body (22, 60) formed from an elastic material, the main body having an outer surface having a plurality of convolutions (80) provided therein. Each convolution including a groove (24, 62, 84), and each convolution has a stiffness associated therewith. The stiffnesses associated with the convolutions increase from a first side of the main body to a second side of the main body.

Abstract: An assembly including a first component and a second component movably coupled to the first component. The second component is formed about and coupled to at least a portion of the first component via an over-molding process.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a strapping force applied by a headgear of a patient interface device. The apparatus includes a first portion structured to be selectively connectable to a connecting element of a mask of the patient interface device, a second portion structured to be selectively connectable to a strap of the headgear, and a force gauging mechanism coupled to the first portion and the second portion. The force gauging mechanism is structured to gauge and indicate a force being applied by the headgear in response to the second strap portion being pulled by the strap of the headgear.

Abstract: An assembly (22, 50, 60, 100, 110, 130) including a first component (30, 54, 70, 112, 132) and a second component (40, 56, 80, 120, 140) movably coupled to the first component. The second component is formed about and coupled to at least a portion of the first component via an over-molding process.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a sealing cushion structured to communicate a flow of breathing gas within an airway of a patient, a rigid or semi rigid support member coupled to the sealing cushion, the support member including an inner surface, an outer surface and at least one orifice extending therethrough, and a cushion member provided on the inner surface of the support member and structured to engage a portion of the head or face of the patient when the patient interface device is donned by the patient, the cushion member being made of a deformable material and overlapping the orifice such that a portion of the cushion member will flow at least partially through the orifice when pressure is applied to the cushion member.

Abstract: A patient interface device is provided that includes a patient sealing assembly and a headgear assembly coupled to the patient sealing assembly. The headgear assembly includes an adjustment mechanism having a first portion, a second portion, and a fastening mechanism. The first portion has a first end and an opposite second end, with the first end being coupled to the patient sealing assembly. The second portion has a first end and an opposite second end, the first end movably coupled to the second end of the first portion and the second end coupled to a portion of the headgear assembly. The second portion is movable among a first position in which the first and second portions are generally aligned and a second position in which the first and second portions are disposed generally parallel. The fastening mechanism fastens the first and second portions in the second position.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8, 8?) for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient includes a grooved adjustment mechanism (20, 58, 78) having a main body (22, 60) formed from an elastic material, the main body having an outer surface having a plurality of convolutions (80) provided therein. Each convolution including a groove (24, 62, 84), and each convolution has a stiffness associated therewith. The stiffnesses associated with the convolutions increase from a first side of the main body to a second side of the main body.

Abstract: A garment having a tubing management system incorporated therein is provided. The tubing management system includes at least one conduit and a coupling system for the conduit. The coupling system has at least one coupling point, which is located, for example, at the neck opening of the garment. The coupling system defines a path for the conduit, i.e., there is more than one attachment point, therefore the path of the conduit may be controlled. In this configuration, the conduit moves with the user and, as such, there is a reduced chance that the user's movements, even while asleep, will cause the facemask to be pulled from its proper position.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a strapping force applied by a headgear of a patient interface device. The apparatus includes a first portion structured to be selectively connectable to a connecting element of a mask of the patient interface device, a second portion structured to be selectively connectable to a strap of the headgear, and a force gauging mechanism coupled to the first portion and the second portion. The force gauging mechanism is structured to gauge and indicate a force being applied by the headgear in response to the second strap portion being pulled by the strap of the headgear.