Abstract: A valve assembly capable of converting a small leak of a device into a measurable, relatively larger or “burst” flow event is described. In certain embodiments, the valve assembly includes a compliant chamber and, following pressurization of the device, permits flow when the pressure in the compliant chamber drops to a configured fill pressure and restricts (or prevents) flow when the pressure in the compliant chamber increases to a shut-off pressure. The disclosed valve assemblies may be incorporated into a leak detection assembly capable of transmitting usage and/or alarm data to a central service.

Abstract: A valve assembly capable of converting a small leak of a device into a measurable, relatively larger or “burst” flow event is described. In certain embodiments, the valve assembly includes a compliant chamber and, following pressurization of the device, permits flow when the pressure in the compliant chamber drops to a configured fill pressure and restricts (or prevents) flow when the pressure in the compliant chamber increases to a shut-off pressure. The disclosed valve assemblies may be incorporated into a leak detection assembly capable of transmitting usage and/or alarm data to a central service.

Abstract: A valve assembly capable of converting a small leak of a device into a measurable, relatively larger or “burst” flow event is described. In certain embodiments, the valve assembly includes a compliant chamber and, following pressurization of the device, permits flow when the pressure in the compliant chamber drops to a configured fill pressure and restricts (or prevents) flow when the pressure in the compliant chamber increases to a shut-off pressure. The disclosed valve assemblies may be incorporated into a leak detection assembly capable of transmitting usage and/or alarm data to a central service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus determine a phase angle between a first signal based on ventilator airflow for a breath and a second signal based upon ventilator firing for the breath. Based on the phase angle, an indication of a nature of dis-synchrony of airflow and ventilator firing is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus determine a phase angle between a first signal based on ventilator airflow for a breath and a second signal based upon ventilator firing for the breath. Based on the phase angle, an indication of a nature of dis-synchrony of airflow and ventilator firing is provided.

Abstract: Compliance with pre-operative policies and procedures is ensured to prevent wrong site surgeries. Data related to a scheduled procedure is stored on a device. The data includes at least (1) indicia of personal identification for a patient and one or more participants in the scheduled procedure, and (2) information about the scheduled procedure. An input is received on the device that associates the patient with the data stored on the device. The patient and each of the one or more participants are then prompted to verify the indicia of personal identification and information about the scheduled procedure on the device. When the patient and one or more participants have all verified their respective indicia of personal identification and the information about the scheduled procedure, the device is operable to enable operating room functionality.

Abstract: A plethysmograph system is provided for monitoring neonates in an intensive care setting. The system includes a base and a pivotably attached lid which together define an air-tight chamber in which an infant can be positioned. The lid is mounted to the base so that it may be rotated between a position in which it is seated upon the base to a storage position directly beneath the base. The lid includes a peripheral gasket which is made from hollow tubing. The base also includes a gasket which is engageable by the lid gasket. The base gasket is made from substantially softer material than the lid gasket. First and second sealing members are mounted to the base and lid, respectively, for providing an air-tight seal about IV tubes and the like, extending from outside the chamber to an infant within the chamber. Each sealing member includes a number of channels for receiving such tubes. Each channel includes a set of parallel, deformable walls extending completely across the channels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for monitoring physiological parameters associated with the ventilation of infants during assisted ventilation. The infant is placed in a plethysmograph and various sensor means are used to measure flow of gas into and out of the plethysmograph and infant respiration. The outputs of the sensor means are supplied to a microcomputer system for processing. A unique calibration system is provided which constantly corrects for changing system parameters such as plethysmographic chamber air leaks, compliance and the like. Additionally, a heating system which exhibits radiant as well as convective heating properties is provided to maintain the infant in a constant temperature environment with a minimal amount of temperature fluctuation. From this data, ventilator breaths are discriminated from infant breaths.

Abstract: An apparatus for activating and deactivating a bilge pump in a marine vessel in response to the presence or absence of water or other fluid in the bilge area wherein a pair of acoustic transducers are mounted in proximate and opposed relationship to one another such that a first transducer, the generator transducer, transmits acoustic waves to a second transducer, the receiver transducer, across a designated narrow channel. The apparatus operates on the principle that acoustic waves transmit greater energy in a dense transmission medium such as water or other liquid. The sensitivity of the transducer pair and its associated electronic circuitry is adjusted such that the transmitted acoustic signal is detected at the receiver transducer when the signal is transmitted through liquid and the signal fails to reach a detectable level at the receiver transducer when the signal is transmitted through air. The detected signal triggers electronic circuitry operating a relay coil which switches power to the bilge pump.