Abstract: A respiratory gas monitor testing system having a respiratory gas monitor coupled to a system for detecting a leak, wherein the system for detecting a leak has a flowmeter in fluid communication with both an inlet and an outlet of the respiratory gas monitor, with the exhaust of the flowmeter venting to atmosphere; a restriction valve, a sample pressure sensor, a flowmeter valve configured to allow the flowmeter to either measure sample flow rate or leak rate, a flow-smoothing buffer configured to improve flow measurement accuracy, and a system for simulating human breath; wherein the system for simulating human breath at elevated airway pressure has an air source, a calibration gas source, a breath simulation valve, a calibration gas valve, a sample pressure sensor, an air reservoir, a pressurized bottle with a pressure regulator and an orifice, and an air pump.

Abstract: A respiratory gas monitor testing system having a respiratory gas monitor coupled to a system for detecting a leak, wherein the system for detecting a leak has a flowmeter in fluid communication with both an inlet and an outlet of the respiratory gas monitor, with the exhaust of the flowmeter venting to atmosphere; a restriction valve, a sample pressure sensor, a flowmeter valve configured to allow the flowmeter to either measure sample flow rate or leak rate, a flow-smoothing buffer configured to improve flow measurement accuracy, and a system for simulating human breath; wherein the system for human breath at elevated airway pressure has an air source, a calibration gas source, a breath simulation valve, a calibration gas valve, a sample pressure sensor, an air reservoir, a pressurized bottle with a pressure regulator and an orifice, and an air pump.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) that is capable of a first stable configuration and a second stable configuration is disclosed. The bistable mechanism (10) has a leg (30, 32) that is coupled on one end by a base member (22, 24) and on the other end by a shuttle (20). The leg (30, 32) stores potential energy as it is deflected. The potential energy stored in the leg (30, 32) has a maximum potential energy position with a low potential energy position on either side of the maximum. An apparatus and method are also disclosed for a latching mechanism (910) and the associated method. The latching mechanism (910) is comprised of a grasping member (932), a lock slider (928), and a detent slider (916). These three members (916, 928, 932) operate together to induce a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by actuating the lock slider (928) in a single direction.

Abstract: A constant force apparatus having a cam (12) with a non-planar surface (13), a compliant member (14) with a free end (18), a fixed end (16), and an intermediate contact area (20) therebetween, wherein the free end (18) of the compliant member (14) (slidably engages the non-planar surface (13) of the cam (12) and the compliant member (14) provides a substantially constant reaction force at the intermediate contact area (20) regardless of displacement (22) of the intermediate contact area (20). The compliant member (14) can further include a material capable of conducting electricity for use as an electrical contact. The apparatus can further comprise a docking station for use with a dockable unit to accept the dockable unit and provide an electrical connection thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) that is capable of a first stable configuration and a second stable configuration is disclosed. The bistable mechanism (10) has a leg (30, 32) that is coupled on one end by a base member (22, 24) and on the other end by a shuttle (20). The leg (30, 32) stores potential energy as it is deflected. The potential energy stored in the leg (30, 32) has a maximum potential energy position with a low potential energy position on either side of the maximum. An apparatus and method are also disclosed for a latching mechanism (910) and the associated method. The latching mechanism (910) is comprised of a grasping member (932), a lock slider (928), and a detent slider (916). These three members (916, 928, 932) operate together to induce a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by actuating the lock slider (928) in a single direction.