Abstract: A configurable time-delayed oral mandible displacement device includes a top member and a bottom member, the bottom member slidably coupled to the top member for movement between a non-extended position and an extended position. A control mechanism is coupled between the top member and the bottom member for controlling extension of the bottom member. The control mechanism an element fabricated from a shape memory material. The control mechanism further includes a heat-transfer control portion providing configurability by variation of a characteristic thereof. The configurability allows for controllably selecting a duration of an activation time delay, during which the temperature of the element fabricated from shape memory material increases to an activation temperature by absorbing body heat from a human wearer after the device is inserted into the mouth of the human wearer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for assessing a respiratory function from plethysmography data obtainable, for example, from a pulse oximeter. A pulsatile waveform obtained from pleth data is processed to obtain a second waveform extending over multiple respiratory cycles and representing respiration-related variations in a pulse-beat area defined by the pulsatile waveform. The second waveform is analyzed to obtain information indicative of respiratory distress. A respiratory index that provides a good indicator of respiratory distress may be computed based on a magnitude of respiratory peaks in the second waveform. Applications to asthma and sleep apnea are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for assessing a respiratory function from plethysmography data obtainable, for example, from a pulse oximeter. A pulsatile waveform obtained from pleth data is processed to obtain a second waveform extending over a over multiple respiratory cycles and representing respiration-related variations in a pulse-beat area defined by the pulsatile waveform. The second waveform is analyzed to obtain information indicative of respiratory distress. A respiratory index that provides a good indicator of respiratory distress may be computed based on a magnitude of respiratory peaks in the second waveform. Applications to asthma and sleep apnea are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for assessing a respiratory function from plethysmography data obtainable, for example, from a pulse oximeter. A pulsatile waveform obtained from pleth data is processed to obtain a second waveform extending over a over multiple respiratory cycles and representing respiration-related variations in a pulse-beat area defined by the pulsatile waveform. The second waveform is analyzed to obtain information indicative of respiratory distress. A respiratory index that provides a good indicator of respiratory distress may be computed based on a magnitude of respiratory peaks in the second waveform. Applications to asthma and sleep apnea are described.