Abstract: An electrochemical cell charging apparatus includes a charger to charge one or more electrochemical cells and a computing apparatus. The computing apparatus includes one or more processors and is operatively coupled to the charger. The computing apparatus is configured to charge an electrochemical cell using the charger, determine one or more indicators of the state of health of the electrochemical cell, and determine the state of health of the electrochemical cell based on the determined one or more indicators.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell charging apparatus includes a charger to charge one or more electrochemical cells and a computing apparatus. The computing apparatus includes one or more processors and is operatively coupled to the charger. The computing apparatus is configured to charge an electrochemical cell using the charger, determine one or more indicators of the state of health of the electrochemical cell, and determine the state of health of the electrochemical cell based on the determined one or more indicators.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for affording a re-breathing capability to a breathing circuit. The apparatus includes a valve that permits air flow through or re-breathing in the breathing circuit. A CO2 sensor and an air flow sensor detects CO2 a rate of air flow in the breathing circuit, respectively. A processor computes a parameter based on the CO2 waveform feature and a volumetric CO2 waveform feature based on signals from the air flow sensor and/or the CO2 sensor. An alarm is triggered when the parameter deviates from a selected magnitude. In a further embodiment, at least one parameter associated with an energy source for actuating the valve is monitored. Deviation of the value from at least one selected value of the at least one parameter is corrected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing reliability of, and monitoring, the operation of airway valves to enhance patient safety. Pneumatic control line pressure (positive or negative) for actuation of the airway valve may be specified at a given magnitude or within a selected range and monitored continuously. Reduced or excessive pressure may be compensated by actuation of a pressure source or a bleed valve, and monitoring may be effected so as to warn the user of any deviation from the range, or deviations of selected magnitudes or frequencies or a combination thereof. The inspired volume of CO2 may be monitored using air flow and CO2 sensing, with detection of excessive CO2 volume triggering a warning. Similarly, measured end-tidal or end-inspired CO2 or other appropriate measures of CO2 concentration may be employed as a warning trigger. Other driving energy sources for airway valves, and monitoring thereof, are also disclosed.