Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved systems and methods for processing respiratory signals derived generally from respiratory plethysmography, and especially from respiratory inductive plethysmographic sensors mounted on a garment for ambulatory recording. The systems and methods provide improved signal filtering for artifact rejection, improved calibration of sensor data to produce outputs indicative of lung volumes. Further, this invention provides improved systems and methods directed to processing lung volume signals, however measured or derived, to provide improved determination of respiratory parameters and improved recognition of selected respiratory events.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved systems and methods for processing respiratory signals derived generally from respiratory plethysmography, and especially from respiratory inductive plethysmographic sensors mounted on a garment for ambulatory recording. The systems and methods provide improved signal filtering for artifact rejection, improved calibration of sensor data to produce outputs indicative of lung volumes. Further, this invention provides improved systems and methods directed to processing lung volume signals, however measured or derived, to provide improved determination of respiratory parameters and improved recognition of selected respiratory events.

Abstract: An air-filled mattress with virtually no air loss has a plurality of air-filled bags grouped into zones of uniform air pressure. A controller monitors the air pressure in each zone and activates a blower to adjust the pressure in any zone in which the measured pressure differs from the desired pressure by more than a threshold amount. The blower is otherwise deactivated. The bags are deflated by reversing the direction of flow from the bags to the blower. The bags are fastened to a mattress base using an attachment fitting that receives an elongated bead on the bag's bottom edge into a chamber along the mattress base fitting. The mattress base can be attached to any of a variety of different conventional bed frames. Tabs fastened to the mattress base having a hinge and a hand malleable aluminum plate can be bent to grasp a variety of different bed frames.

Abstract: An alternating pressure pad, useful between a mattress and a bed-ridden person for preventing the occurrence of bed sores, defines two separate sets of interdigitated transverse inflatable body support chambers. The support chambers are alternately inflated and deflated to provide alternating areas on his body where a person lying on the pad is supported by the pad. In a leg and foot section of the pad, the support chambers have a smaller inflated diameter than the other chambers of each set to provide effective support, and freedom from support, of the heel and ankle areas of the body when those chambers are alternately inflated at a pressure consistent with comfort of the person. A body air chamber is defined in the pad over and independent from the support chambers under a pad top sheet which has a predetermined portion of its area open for air to flow through it.

Abstract: A foam pad containing slits in its upper surface is disclosed. In its preferred embodiment the pad is adapted to be positioned on a bed in a supporting relationship to a patient. The pad has head and foot supporting sections, each in the form of a convoluted checkerboard pattern of rows of peaks separated by depressions. A torso supporting section is located between the head and foot supporting sections comprising substantially parallel ribs separated by substantially parallel valleys. The slits are located on the torso supporting section, transverse to the ribs, forming a diamond-shaped area. Each slit varies in depth decreasing from the center of the pad towards the sides of the pad. Additionally, the overall depth of the slits is progressively shallower towards the head and foot supporting sections of the pad. In another embodiment, slits of the same configuration are used with a pad having a smooth upper surface which supports at least a portion of a body.

Abstract: A liquid meter assembly for collecting, metering and monitoring liquid is disclosed. The assembly comprises a container for collecting the liquid, an electrically powered strain gauge suspension device for supporting the container and for determining the weight of the liquid collected in the container and a handle on the container for interconnecting with the strain gauge suspension device. A length of tubing is attached to the container and adapted for interconnecting with the source of the liquid. A tubing support system is included on the strain gauge suspension device for fixedly supporting the tubing to substantially inhibit influence on weight determination due to any movement thereon. A power supply is included in the assembly for supplying power to the strain gauge suspension device.

Abstract: A pressure transducer assembly is disclosed for directly monitoring pressure in a fluid which flows through the assembly. The assembly includes a housing defining a chamber therewithin and having an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid-flow communication with the chamber. An electrically insulated body element is sealed within the chamber dividing the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is in fluid-flow communication with the inlet and outlet ports. The second chamber is separated from the first chamber by a fluid-tight seal such that any fluid present in the first chamber cannot enter the second chamber. A pressure transducer sensor is secured in the insulated body and exposed to the first chamber such that the sensor can determine the pressure in a fluid in the first chamber and convert the pressure into electric impulses. The sensor is separated from the fluid in the first chamber by an insulating medium across which fluid pressure can be determined.

Abstract: An epidural filter for connecting intermediate a syringe and an epidural cannula has a two-part housing formed with an inlet and an outlet. Within the housing a filter membrane is supported, parallel with the direction of fluid flow through the filter, by struts located on opposite sides of the membrane. Fluid is supplied to the filter from the syringe via a female Luer-tapered bore and distributed over the filter membrane along a channel and passages between the struts. The filter has an outlet coupling comprising a nose, having a bore, around which extends a screw-threaded collar. A clamping head is screwed into the collar about the nose so that the nose bears on a resilient bush contained within the head. The bush has a bore which receives the cannula so that when the clamping head is screwed onto the housing it forms a fluid-tight seal between the cannula and the housing.

Abstract: An instrument for detecting penetration of the epidural space comprises a barrel within which a plunger is urged forwardly by a resilient strap. The barrel has a nose on which a Tuohy needle is mounted. The inner surface of the barrel has a groove that extends along the barrel, being spaced from the nose. In operation the assembly is pushed forwardly until the tip of the needle contacts the spinal ligaments. The plunger is then pulled rearwardly past the end of the groove so that air enters the barrel and becomes trapped when the plunger is released and urged forwards by the strap. Penetration of the epidural space by the tip of the needle allows the trapped air to escape through the needle thereby providing an indication of penetration of the epidural space by causing the plunger to be moved forwards.

Abstract: A pressure transducer assembly is disclosed for directly monitoring pressure in a fluid which flows through the assembly. The assembly includes a housing defining a chamber therewithin and having an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid-flow communication with the chamber. An electrically insulated body element is sealed within the chamber dividing the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is in fluid-flow communication with the inlet and outlet ports. The second chamber is separated from the first chamber by a fluid-tight seal such that any fluid present in the first chamber cannot enter the second chamber. A pressure transducer sensor is secured in the insulated body and exposed to the first chamber such that the sensor can determine the pressure in a fluid in the first chamber and convert the pressure into electric impulses. The sensor is separated from the fluid in the first chamber by an insulating medium across which fluid pressure can be determined.