Abstract: Systems and methods are described for facilitating electronic sales and for electronically customizing a user's selected choice of merchandise over a communication channel. The system includes at least one data base for storing the users' input data, instructions for operating an input field as well as various software, links to various websites of suppliers of merchandise, and for transmitting messages over communication channels. The system includes at least one processing system configured to execute the instructions to perform the method. The method may include displaying to a user, over a communication network, one or more input fields for entering data, messages, and photos, and receiving from the user, over the communication network and by entering into an input field, messages, data, a selection of merchandise, personal measurements, and personal photos, over the communication channel.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a ventilator to automatically adjust ventilation assistance to an active or passive subject. The method includes determining volume and flow rate of gas to the patient during inspiration on an ongoing basis, and generating control signals in proportion to the volume and flow rate of gas to the patient wherein proportionality factors, and support levels for the elastic and resistive components of pressure are automatically adjusted by the ventilator. The ongoing pressure applied by the ventilator is a sum of elastic and resistive pressures that are automatically controlled by the system. When the patient breathes spontaneously, the support levels are automatically adjusted based on the patient's requirements. If the patient does not breathe spontaneously, the ventilator provides ventilation at an optimal level and rate. The method may be used in weaning or in a management phase of ventilation.

Abstract: A system for mechanical ventilation treatment is described. In one embodiment the system provides advice on treatment and/or weaning of patients from mechanical ventilation based on the patient's conditions. In another embodiment the system includes apparatus to monitor and analyze the patient's data and data from the mechanical ventilator and controls the ventilator automatically.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a ventilator to automatically adjust ventilation assistance to an active or passive subject. The method includes determining volume and flow rate of gas to the patient during inspiration on an ongoing basis, and generating control signals in proportion to the volume and flow rate of gas to the patient wherein proportionality factors, and support levels for the elastic and resistive components of pressure are automatically adjusted by the ventilator. The ongoing pressure applied by the ventilator is a sum of elastic and resistive pressures that are automatically controlled by the system. When the patient breathes spontaneously, the support levels are automatically adjusted based on the patient's requirements. If the patient does not breathe spontaneously, the ventilator provides ventilation at an optimal level and rate. The method may be used in weaning or in a management phase of ventilation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a ventilator are described. The invention can be used to control mechanical ventilators as well as respiratory assist devices such as CPAP machines. The apparatus receives input data indicative of patient's oxygen level. A controller determines PEEP, or CPAP, and FIO2, on the basis of data indicative of the patient's oxygen level. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus further receives input data indicative of patient's carbon dioxide levels, respiratory elastance and airway resistance, and barometric pressure. The controller further utilizes the said input data to determine the optimal values of tidal volume and breathing frequency for a next breath of the patient, and uses the respiratory elastance and airway resistance data to determine any necessary adjustments in the I:E ratio. The controller also applies safety rules, detects and corrects artifacts, and generates warning signals when needed.

Abstract: A system for mechanical ventilation treatment is described. In one embodiment the system provides advice on treatment and/or weaning of patients from mechanical ventilation based on the patient's conditions. In another embodiment the system includes apparatus to monitor and analyze the patient's data and data from the mechanical ventilator and controls the ventilator automatically.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically controlling an artificial respirator includes sensors for receiving the exhaust gas from a patient and providing data signals corresponding to the concentration of the carbon dioxide and oxygen in the gas. The data signals are provided to a microcomputer which, together with data representing at least the patient's lung elastance factor, air viscosity factor in the lungs and barometric pressure, and when the patient is in exercise, metabolic rate ratio, determines the total ventilation and frequency for the patient's next breath and provides data output signals corresponding thereto. The data output signals from the microcomputer are provided, in analog form, to a signal generator and timing control circuit. This circuit provides output pulses which control the respirator and control valves between the respirator and the sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method determines the metabolic rate ratio (MRR) of a patient from data indicative of (a) oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations of the patient, and (b) a cardiac function of the patient. The cardiac function data may be either heart rate and stroke volume of the patient, or cardiac output data from a cardiac output monitor than noninvasively and continuously monitors cardiac output. A CO.sub.2 analyzer and either an O.sub.2 analyzer or a pulse oximeter may be employed to provide the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration data. Heart rate data is provided by either a pulse monitor or is obtained from the patient's ECG. The present invention permits measurement of MRR at any level of patient activity as well as during transitions in activity.