Abstract: A method for pulmonary testing includes, while a patient inspires through the testing device, injecting a test gas at a selected flowrate toward an open end of the testing device. The method also includes measuring a flow rate of the inspired gas, which comprises the test gas. The method further includes measuring a concentration of a selected test gas component in the inspired gas.

Abstract: A method for pulmonary testing includes, while a patient inspires through the testing device, injecting a test gas at a selected flowrate toward an open end of the testing device. The method also includes measuring a flow rate of the inspired gas, which comprises the test gas. The method further includes measuring a concentration of a selected test gas component in the inspired gas.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a system and method for DLCO quality control testing and can include an apparatus for testing a pulmonary diagnostic device capable of performing single breath carbon monoxide uptake measurement, comprising: a single gas-tight chamber, with a gas port configured to receive gas from or to expel gas to the exterior of the chamber and a partition configured to change the volume of the single gas-tight chamber; the single gas-tight chamber capable of expanding and contracting; a member disposed within the single gas-tight chamber and configured to limit the movement of the partition, the member being adjustable to set a predetermined maximum volume of the single gas-tight chamber and a predetermined volume of DLCO test gas that the single gas-tight chamber can receive; and an interface configured for the transfer of gas between the pulmonary diagnostic device and the simulation device via the gas port.

Abstract: A method for pulmonary testing includes, while a patient inspires through the testing device, injecting a test gas at a selected flowrate toward an open end of the testing device. The method also includes measuring a flow rate of the inspired gas, which comprises the test gas. The method further includes measuring a concentration of a selected test gas component in the inspired gas.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a system and method for DLCO quality control testing and can include an apparatus for testing a pulmonary diagnostic device capable of performing single breath carbon monoxide uptake measurement, comprising: a single gas-tight chamber, with a gas port configured to receive gas from or to expel gas to the exterior of the chamber and a partition configured to change the volume of the single gas-tight chamber; the single gas-tight chamber capable of expanding and contracting; a member disposed within the single gas-tight chamber and configured to limit the movement of the partition, the member being adjustable to set a predetermined maximum volume of the single gas-tight chamber and a predetermined volume of DLCO test gas that the single gas-tight chamber can receive; and an interface configured for the transfer of gas between the pulmonary diagnostic device and the simulation device via the gas port.

Abstract: A pulmonary testing device and method are provided that measure an inspired volume of a selected gas component. In one configuration, the selected gas component is injected into the device in an airway of the device upstream of a gas analyzer. The device has opposing open ends, one for the patient's mouth and the other for inspiration of air.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining measurements of a person's pulmonary diagnostic is described. One embodiment includes a method of providing audible signals related to measurement of pulmonary function, the method comprising receiving a pulmonary input through a receiver, transferring the pulmonary input to a sensor, generating an input signal, using the sensor, based on the pulmonary input, and generating a responsive audible signal through a speaker, wherein the responsive audible signal is based on the input signal. The pulmonary input may comprise, for example, an inhalation, exhalation, gas content reading, or other pulmonary input. The responsive audible signal may comprise a verbal audible signal, a tone, or some combination of both. The responsive audible signal could be for instruction and/or encouragement. The method could further include generating audible instruction signals that are not necessarily related to the pulmonary input.

Abstract: A system and method for remote health monitoring is described. One embodiment includes a portable health monitoring device comprising a data transfer interface configured to receive a protocol, wherein the protocol comprises branching logic, a display configured to present a user with at least one question from the branching logic, a user interface configured to receive information from the user, a diagnostic device interface configured to communicate with a diagnostic device, a memory configured to store data related to the user, and a processor configured to analyze at least a portion of the data related to the user, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit at least a portion of the data related to the user to a monitoring location via the data transfer interface.

Abstract: A pulmonary testing device and method are provided that measure an inspired volume of a selected gas component. In one configuration, the selected gas component is injected into the device in an airway of the device upstream of a gas analyzer. The device has opposing open ends, one for the patient's mouth and the other for inspiration of air.

Abstract: A nasal interface device for use in the nares of a patient for positive airway pressure applications includes a pair of nasal prongs, each prong having a bore, a first end, a second end, and at least one deformable flap disposed proximate to the first end of each prong. The device further includes a body having a distal portion and a proximal portion forming a chamber, the proximal portion having apertures to receive the second ends of the nasal prongs, the chamber being in communication with the bores of the nasal prongs, and at least one exhalation port disposed within the body. The device includes at least one gas inlet on the distal portion of the body, the at least one gas inlet in communication with the chamber. In one preferred aspect of the invention, the at least one flap is deformable within the nares of a patient thereby creating a substantially airtight seal.

Abstract: A valve for use in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices includes a valve body that is disposed at or between the patient mask and the source of positive airway pressure. The valve body includes first and second exhaust paths for exhausting gas from the mask. A floating valve seat is disposed in the valve body and is moveable between first and second positions. A moveable spring-biased piston is releasably engaged with the floating valve seat. When the floating valve seat is in the first position, the moveable spring-biased piston is disengaged from the valve seat and gas travels out the first exhaust flowpath. When the floating valve seat is in the second position, the moveable spring-biased piston is engaged with the valve seat and gas travels out the second exhaust flowpath. The valve provides substantially constant positive airway pressure to the patient at pressures above the threshold pressure level of the valve.

Abstract: A method and device for effective delivery of a gas such as oxygen for inhalation are described that sequentially dilute room air to the flow of gas during a respiratory cycle. A mask assembly is described that comprises an inspiratory and expiratory limb each containing a very low resistance one-way valve, and a sequential dilution conduit (leading from the atmosphere to the inspiratory limb) with a one-way valve that has a slightly positive cracking pressure. A sequential dilution valve may also be placed in the sequential dilution conduit.

Abstract: A valve for use in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices includes a valve body that is disposed at or between the patient mask and the source of positive airway pressure. The valve body includes first and second exhaust paths for exhausting gas from the mask. A floating valve seat is disposed in the valve body and is moveable between first and second positions. A moveable spring-biased piston is releasably engaged with the floating valve seat. When the floating valve seat is in the first position, the moveable spring-biased piston is disengaged from the valve seat and gas travels out the first exhaust flowpath. When the floating valve seat is in the second position, the moveable spring-biased piston is engaged with the valve seat and gas travels out the second exhaust flowpath. The valve provides substantially constant positive airway pressure to the patient at pressures above the threshold pressure level of the valve.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the capability of a surface of an organic structure to bond with another material includes irradiating a target area of the surface of a structure with pulsed, incoherent optical energy having wavelength components which range from 160-5000 nanometers at an intensity sufficient to photodecompose any adventitious organic substances on the surface and to photodecompose a thin layer of molecular bonds forming the surface of the structure; and exposing the target area of the surface to ionized gas that chemically reacts with the target area of the surface to increase the surface free energy of the surface.