Abstract: A system adapted to regulate pressure of a flow of breathable gas generated by a motorized blower fan. The system may include a flow estimation analyzer adapted to receive a speed signal representative of a speed of the fan and estimate a parameter representative of the flow of breathable gas (e.g., a flow rate of the breathable gas). The parameter may be determined by inputting the speed signal into a function (e.g., an equation, matrix, or lookup table), which may be selected from a plurality of predetermined functions. The predetermined function may be selected based upon a specific characteristic of the speed signal as identified at the time of estimation of the parameter representative of flow.

Abstract: Circuits for rendering piezo-based respiratory belts compatible with polysomnograph (PSG) machines designed for use with respiratory induction belts (RIPs) comprise an instrumentation amplifier adapted to be connected to a piezoelectric transducer and providing an AC output signal to a low-pass filter. In a first embodiment, the low-pass filter output is applied to an input of a microcontroller's A to D converter and the resulting digitized samples are used to vary the resistance of a digital potentiometer whose wiper terminal is coupled in series with an inductor so as to emulate the presence of a RIP belt to the PSG machine. In a second embodiment, the low-pass filter output is used to drive the primary of a transformer so as to vary the permeability of the transformer's ferrite core in a way that emulates the performance of a RIP belt to the PSG.

Abstract: A system adapted to regulate pressure of a flow of breathable gas generated by a motorized blower fan. The system may include a flow estimation analyzer adapted to receive a speed signal representative of a speed of the fan and estimate a parameter representative of the flow of breathable gas (e.g., a flow rate of the breathable gas). The parameter may be determined by inputting the speed signal into a function (e.g., an equation, matrix, or lookup table), which may be selected from a plurality of predetermined functions. The predetermined function may be selected based upon a specific characteristic of the speed signal as identified at the time of estimation of the parameter representative of flow.

Abstract: Methods relating to the power management of positive airway pressure apparatus using a battery are disclosed herein. The methods, in various aspects, are adapted to prolong the delivery of a positive airway pressurized therapy when the positive airway pressure apparatus is operated under battery power.

Abstract: Circuits for rendering piezo-based respiratory belts compatible with polysomnograph (PSG) machines designed for use with respiratory induction belts (RIPs) comprise an instrumentation amplifier adapted to be connected to a piezoelectric transducer and providing an AC output signal to a low-pass filter. In a first embodiment, the low-pass filter output is applied to an input of a microcontroller's A to D converter and the resulting digitized samples are used to vary the resistance of a digital potentiometer whose wiper terminal is coupled in series with an inductor so as to emulate the presence of a RIP belt to the PSG machine. In a second embodiment, the low-pass filter output is used to drive the primary of a transformer so as to vary the permeability of the transformer's ferrite core in a way that emulates the performance of a RIP belt to the PSG.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a sensor may be adapted to provide information related to its position on a patient's tissue. The sensor may include tissue contact sensors which may relay a signal related to the proper placement of the sensor relative to the tissue of a patient. Such a sensor may be useful for providing information to a clinician regarding the location of the sensor in relation to the skin of a patient in order to provide improved measurements.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for the administration of positive airway pressure therapies. The apparatus can include a housing, a blower and a mask. The housing is configured to be stably secured on the head of a patient. The blower is secured relative to the housing. A mask in fluid communication with the blower is configured to communicate pressurized air produced at least in part by the blower to the airways of a user.

Abstract: Methods relating to the power management of positive airway pressure apparatus using a battery are disclosed herein. The methods, in various aspects, are adapted to prolong the delivery of a positive airway pressurized therapy when the positive airway pressure apparatus is operated under battery power.

Abstract: The present inventions provide respiratory therapy apparatus that introduce water into the pressurized air delivered to a user during various positive airway pressure therapies and corresponding methods. The respiratory therapy apparatus may be configured to administer one or more positive airway pressure therapies, including: continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP), bi-level positive airway pressure therapy (BPAP), auto positive airway pressure therapy (autoPAP), proportional positive airway pressure therapy (PPAP), and/or other positive airway pressure therapies. The respiratory therapy apparatus may include a user interface that defines an interface passage to communicate pressurized air to the user for inhalation and a humidifier that introduces water into the pressurized air generally at the interface passage. Methods according to the present inventions may include introducing water into the interface passage at one or more humidifier ports disposed about the interface passage.

Abstract: Methods relating to the power management of positive airway pressure apparatus using a battery are disclosed herein. The methods, in various aspects, are adapted to prolong the delivery of a positive airway pressurized therapy when the positive airway pressure apparatus is operated under battery power.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a sensor may be adapted to provide information related to its position on a patient's tissue. postioned adjacenta sensor may be provided with tissue contact sensors which may relay a signal related to the proper placement of the sensor relative to the tissue of a patient. Such a sensor may be useful for providing information to a clinician regarding the location of the sensor in relation to the skin of a patient in order to provide improved measurements.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed may include a sensor which may be adapted to provide information related to its position on a patient's tissue. A sensor may be provided with tissue contact sensors which may relay a signal related to the sensor's proper placement adjacent a patient's tissue. Such a sensor may be useful for providing information to a clinician about the status of a sensor, such as if a sensor may be located more closely to the tissue in order to provide improved measurements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to positive airway pressure therapy apparatus and methods for using same. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a body- (e.g., head-) mounted housing enclosing a blower, wherein the housing includes air inlets on multiple sides so that the blower may draw adequate air even when inlets on one side are obstructed. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a mask or mask system securable to an airway of the user. The mask system may include a mask shell and two or more adapters configured to permit the attachment of two or more different mask seals to the same mask shell. Other embodiments of the invention describe strapping systems configured to removably attach the housing and the mask to the body. The apparatus may further include a drying mode that activates upon removal of the apparatus from the user.

Abstract: The present inventions provide positive airway pressure therapy apparatus to humidify the pressurized air delivered to a user during various positive airway pressure therapies and corresponding methods. The positive airway pressure therapy apparatus may be configured to administer one or more positive airway pressure therapies, including: continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP), bi-level positive airway pressure therapy (BPAP), auto positive airway pressure therapy (autoPAP), proportional positive airway pressure therapy (PPAP), and/or other positive airway pressure therapies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluidly coupling a reservoir containing a flowable biomaterial to a mold. The flow of the flowable biomaterial into the mold is controlled in accordance with a first operating parameter. At least one injection condition is monitored. The flow of the flowable biomaterial is controlled in accordance with a second operating parameter in response to one or more of the injection conditions reaching a threshold level. The second operating parameter is maintained during at least a portion of the curing of the flowable biomaterial. In some embodiments, the second operating parameter may optionally include permitting a portion of the flowable biomaterial to be expelled from the mold.

Abstract: Methods relating to the power management of positive airway pressure apparatus using a battery are disclosed herein. The methods, in various aspects, are adapted to prolong the delivery of a positive airway pressurized therapy when the positive airway pressure apparatus is operated under battery power.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a sensor may be adapted to provide information related to its position on a patient's tissue. postioned adjacenta sensor may be provided with tissue contact sensors which may relay a signal related to the proper placement of the sensor relative to the tissue of a patient. Such a sensor may be useful for providing information to a clinician regarding the location of the sensor in relation to the skin of apatient in order to provide improved measurements.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed may include a sensor which may be adapted to provide information related to its position on a patient's tissue. A sensor may be provided with tissue contact sensors which may relay a signal related to the sensor's proper placement adjacent a patient's tissue. Such a sensor may be useful for providing information to a clinician about the status of a sensor, such as if a sensor may be located more closely to the tissue in order to provide improved measurements.

Abstract: Methods that may provide a positive pressure therapy to a user are described. The methods include detecting the user's breathing parameters and increasing the pressure delivered to the user from a sub-therapeutic pressure to a therapeutic pressure based upon the breathing parameters.

Abstract: Methods of positive pressure therapy are described. The methods increase the pressure delivered to a user from a sub-therapeutic pressure to a therapeutic pressure in one or more pressure steps sequenced to the user's breath intervals.