Abstract: An interface mechanism is provided that removably unites a carbon dioxide absorption canister with a patient breathing circuit on a ventilator. The interface mechanism includes a cradle that is moveably positioned between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the canister is coupled to the cradle and the cradle is positioned such that the canister is in fluid communication with the breathing circuit. In the second position, the canister is removable from the cradle and the cradle extends at an angle from the patient breathing circuit. The interface mechanism advantageously provides visual indication when the canister is removed and the breathing circuit is operating as a closed loop system, without CO2 filtration. The mechanism also facilitates efficient and accurate fluid connection between the carbon dioxide absorption canister and the breathing circuit.

Abstract: An arrangement and method is provided for controlling operational characteristics of medical equipment. A pressure sensor associated with the caregiver is arranged to sense changes in air pressure that correspond to breathing activity of the caregiver. The pressure sensor may comprise a neckband, headset, or the like. In the arrangement shown, a headset that is worn by the caregiver includes a disposable tube connected to a pressure transducer such that the pressure sensor senses changes in air pressure in the tube. An open end of the tube is positioned near the mouth of the caregiver to receive changes in airflow from the caregiver's mouth. The pressure sensor is in communication with a controller associated with the ventilator. The controller is arranged to control at least one operational parameter of the ventilator, such as the delivery of respiratory support to the patient or actuation of an oxygen flush valve on the ventilator, based upon the changes in air pressure sensed by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A remote control and tactile feedback system for a medical apparatus, such as a patient ventilator. The ventilator provides a signal having a property indicative of a desired parameter, such as airway pressure or tidal volume. The system has a member suitable for being received in the hand of a user, such as a clinician. A movable trigger is suitable for being engaged by the fingers of the user. An electrical-mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic force applying element is coupled to the trigger for applying a force to the fingers of the user responsive to the parameter signal. A tactile sensation of the desired parameter is thus provided to the user. The trigger is coupled to a signal generator for providing a control signal to the ventilator.

Abstract: A moisture sump integrated into a carbon dioxide absorber canister provides a collection reservoir for condensate from a patient ventilator system when the carbon dioxide absorber canister is attached to the ventilator system. The volume of the moisture sump is appropriately sized so that the time interval required to collect a maximum amount of condensate interval is not more than the life expectancy of the carbon dioxide absorbing material contained within the canister. The moisture sump allows condensate management of difficult to drain areas such as the inlet to the expiratory check valve of a ventilator system. The removal of the carbon dioxide absorber canister by a patient attendee to replace the carbon dioxide absorbing material ensures that the condensate collected by the integral moisture sump is eliminated from the patient ventilator system.

Abstract: An anesthesia system wherein the respiratory system is fitted with interchangeable patient circuit modules that allows a generic fitting in the machine to have affixed, hereto, a module that has ports suitable for connection to various patient breathing circuits. As such, the anesthesia machine can have the patient circuit modules easily changed and thus be adaptable for use with patient breathing circuits such as the circle system, the open/nonrebreathing circuit and the Bain or Mapleson D circuits. A detector system is provided that identifies that particular patient module installed in the anesthesia machine to alert the main CPU and to thus provide the correct flow sensing schemes and flows to the patient breathing circuit then being used.

Abstract: A remote control and tactile feedback system for a medical apparatus, such as a patient ventilator. The ventilator provides a signal having a property indicative of a desired parameter, such as airway pressure or tidal volume. The system has a member suitable for being received in the hand of a user, such as a clinician. A movable trigger is suitable for being engaged by the fingers of the user. An electrical-mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic force applying element is coupled to the trigger for applying a force to the fingers of the user responsive to the parameter signal. A tactile sensation of the desired parameter is thus provided to the user. The trigger is coupled to a signal generator for providing a control signal to the ventilator.

Abstract: A vaporizer for introducing a vapor of an anesthetic liquid into t carrier gas for introduction into a patient is disclosed. The vaporizer directly vaporizes the liquid by introducing the liquid into a vaporizing chamber having an extremely large width to height ratio, i.e. in excess of 600:1. The carrier gas flows in laminar flow through the vaporizing chamber and the liquid anesthetic is introduced at a controlled flow such that it immediately vaporizes upon introduction to the entrance of the vaporizing chamber. A control scheme utilizing a CPU controls the percentage of anesthetic vapor in the outlet gas by sensing certain parameters and then controlling the flow of liquid anesthetic by controlling the speed of a controllable speed pump.