Abstract: Systems and devices described herein provide respiration assistance to users who have difficulty breathing on their own, and include a cuirass configured to be coupled to a thorax of the user and a ventilator fluidically coupled to the cuirass. The ventilator includes a housing, a pump including an inlet and outlet, a valve, an actuator, and a controller in communication with the actuator. The controller is configured to cause the actuator to: move the valve into a first configuration in which a first flow path of the valve fluidically couples the outlet to the cuirass and a second flow path of the valve fluidically couples the inlet to an external environment during exhalation and move the valve into a second configuration in which the first flow path fluidically couples the inlet to the cuirass and the second flow path fluidically couples the outlet to the internal volume during inhalation.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device comprising a cuirass, which includes a shell, at least one sensor, a pressure creation means for providing at least one of a negative pressure or a positive pressure within the shell, and a controller operably connected to the pressure creation means, wherein the controller is adapted to receive an input signal from the at least one sensor and adapted to provide an output signal to the pressure creation means, and wherein the pressure creation means is adapted to provide a greater or lesser amount of pressure within the shell in response to the output signal. Also provided are methods of use.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic level control device for a vehicle having an air suspension system, for example a trailer vehicle having an air suspension system, the vehicle comprising a chassis having an axle and at least two wheels arranged on the axle, wherein an air spring is arranged between the axle and the chassis for at least one of the wheels, wherein an electronic control unit can initiate a level controlling procedure by actuating a solenoid valve, and wherein at least one capacitive level sensor is provided for the axle. The distance between the chassis and the at least one axle can be determined by the level sensor.

Abstract: A system, methods and apparatus for powered monofin that propels a swimmer through water uses one of two modes of power: 1. An electric-assist mode, in which the propulsor responds to a swimmer's kick by multiplying the work of the swimmer; 2. Inverse mode, in which the propulsor deactivates when the swimmer is working. In this mode, propulsion is inversely related to the work of the swimmer. As the swimmer does more work, power from the monofin is reduced, to a predetermined, average level of propulsion. As the swimmer does less work propulsion increases to the predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that utilizes thermal dilution to detect a wide range of flow rates and/or flow status in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt systems. The use of a large cold source in combination with thermosensor pad of a particular construction provide a fluid flow analyzer with the ability to detect very low levels of CSF flow. In addition, a method for adjusting thermal dilution readings to compensate for varying shunt catheter depth is shown and for determining a steady state of the thermal dilution readings. The thermosensor pad is conformable to a patient's skin contour thereby making the apparatus and method less sensitive to ambient temperature errors and, as a result, more accurate in assessing CSF flow. Furthermore, a software error check is provided for identifying poor sensor-to-skin contact for alerting an operator to re-apply the thermosensor pad to correct, as well as a post-test check to determine if temperature data is reasonable before determining flow status or flow rate.

Abstract: An implantable pressure sensor that wirelessly provides pressure data to a wireless receiver. The pressure sensor includes a first flexible membrane exposed to the region whose pressure is being monitored. In contact with this first flexible membrane is a force transducer, for measuring this pressure, that is itself suspended on an internal flexible membrane. This internal flexible membrane allows the force transducer to not only be displaced away from the first flexible membrane, but it allows for the force transducer to also be oscillated, either out-of-contact with the first flexible membrane or in-contact therewith for static/dynamic pressure sensor calibration. Another embodiment suspends an internal housing on a third flexible membrane wherein the internal flexible membrane forms the upper surface of the internal housing. An actuator for displacing/oscillating the force transducer is located within the internal housing.

Abstract: A sensor unit (2) for a motor vehicle or trailer is disclosed. The sensor unit comprises a sensor measuring arrangement (16) for sensing at least one physical variable, a sensor housing (12) partly or fully enclosing the sensor measuring arrangement (16) and at least two connecting lines (18). The sensor unit (2) with the sensor housing (12) is electrically connectable to a conductive part of the motor vehicle or trailer and the sensor measuring arrangement (16) is connectable to an analyzer (6) via the connecting lines (18). Related methods, a sensing and analysis device, and motor vehicles or trailers including the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic level control device for a vehicle having an air suspension system, for example a trailer vehicle having an air suspension system, the vehicle comprising a chassis having an axle and at least two wheels arranged on the axle, wherein an air spring is arranged between the axle and the chassis for at least one of the wheels, wherein an electronic control unit can initiate a level controlling procedure by actuating a solenoid valve, and wherein at least one capacitive level sensor is provided for the axle. The distance between the chassis and the at least one axle can be determined by the level sensor.

Abstract: A sensor unit (2) for a motor vehicle or trailer is disclosed. The sensor unit comprises a sensor measuring arrangement (16) for sensing at least one physical variable, a sensor housing (12) partly or fully enclosing the sensor measuring arrangement (16) and at least two connecting lines (18). The sensor unit (2) with the sensor housing (12) is electrically connectable to a conductive part of the motor vehicle or trailer and the sensor measuring arrangement (16) is connectable to an analyzer (6) via the connecting lines (18). Related methods, a sensing and analysis device, and motor vehicles or trailers including the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure provides a pressure sensor that wirelessly provides force/pressure data to a wireless receiver. The pressure sensor includes a first fluid-responsive membrane configured to be exposed to a region, such as a body fluid, whose pressure is being monitored. A force transducer for measuring this pressure is movable toward and away from the flexible membrane and may be oscillated, either out-of-contact with the first fluid-responsive membrane or in-contact therewith, for static/dynamic pressure sensor calibration. An actuator for displacing/oscillating the force transducer is located within the internal housing. Specific pressure transducers, fluid drainage systems, implantable devices and (at least partially) external sensing devices are disclosed. Calibration techniques, including recalibration to adjust for device drift and to clear biofouling are disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable pressure sensor that wirelessly provides pressure data to a wireless receiver. The pressure sensor includes a first flexible membrane exposed to the region whose pressure is being monitored. In contact with this first flexible membrane is a force transducer, for measuring this pressure, that is itself suspended on an internal flexible membrane. This internal flexible membrane allows the force transducer to not only be displaced away from the first flexible membrane, but it allows for the force transducer to also be oscillated, either out-of-contact with the first flexible membrane or in-contact therewith for static/dynamic pressure sensor calibration. Another embodiment suspends an internal housing on a third flexible membrane wherein the internal flexible membrane forms the upper surface of the internal housing. An actuator for displacing/oscillating the force transducer is located within the internal housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that utilizes thermal dilution to detect a wide range of flow rates and/or flow status in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt systems. The use of a large cold source in combination with thermosensor pad of a particular construction provide a fluid flow analyzer with the ability to detect very low levels of CSF flow. In addition, a method for adjusting thermal dilution readings to compensate for varying shunt catheter depth is shown and for determining a steady state of the thermal dilution readings. The thermosensor pad is conformable to a patient's skin contour thereby making the apparatus and method less sensitive to ambient temperature errors and, as a result, more accurate in assessing CSF flow. Furthermore, a software error check is provided for identifying poor sensor-to-skin contact for alerting an operator to re-apply the thermosensor pad to correct, as well as a post-test check to determine if temperature data is reasonable before determining flow status or flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of generating flow in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt systems by vibrating the shunt, tubing or shunt valve dome, or applying cyclical pressure to the various parts of the shunt system. A method of generating flow and method of using the apparatus in shunt patency assessment, for example, hydraulic resistance assessment, is also disclosed. The apparatus allows, in conjunction with a thermal dilution method or radionuclide method, a quick CSF shunt patency assessment based upon CSF shunt resistance and not upon CSF flow or intracranial pressure (ICP) separately. This provides a more objective measure of shunt obstruction compared to other methods. Furthermore, the apparatus can be used to enhance flow in shunts, identify partial occlusion before symptoms occur, differentiate between patent, partially-occluded and occluded shunts. The apparatus can be used to generate flow in shunts if there is a need to lower ICP or move drugs administered via an injection chamber or a shunt dome.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a continuous CSF flow rate in an implanted CSF shunt in real-time. The system/method utilize a Peltier sensor formed on a flexible pad that is placed against the patient's skin. The Peltier sensor includes a Peltier device coupled to a thermal resistor that is contact with the patient's skin over the CSF shunt location. The Peltier device is operated continuously, controlled by the Peltier temperature sensor to a predetermined temperature that is below the patient's core temperature to form a temperature differential that causes any heat generated by the skin/CSF flow to be detected by a skin temperature sensor and the Peltier temperature sensor. Upstream and downstream temperature sensors, as well as control temperature sensors, are utilized to form a zero flow rate baseline that is used to calibrate a Peltier signal that corresponds to a real-time CSF flow rate.

Abstract: A method and device for testing for the presence, absence and/or rate of flow in a shunt tubing implanted under the skin by using a measurement pad having a plurality of temperature sensors, one of which is aligned with the shunt and the other sensors being symmetrically displaced on either side of the first temperature sensor in a direction transverse to the shunt tubing. These “outer” temperature sensors act as control temperature sensors. A temperature source, e.g., a cooling agent, positioned within an insulated enclosure, is then applied at a predetermined location on the measurement pad that is insulated from the temperature sensors. The movement of this temperature “pulse” is detected by the shunt-aligned temperature sensor via the shunt tubing as the CSF carries the temperature pulse while the control sensors detect the pulse via convection through the skin. The temperature data from these sensors are provided to a CSF analyzer that determines a CSF shunt flow status or flow rate.

Abstract: A system for measuring quantitative CSF flow in shunt tubing implanted under the skin. The system includes an array of thermo-sensors clustered in three sections, cooling device, placed on the skin surface and an associated data acquisition and analysis device. Two sensor sections are placed over the shunt on the skin and measure real time temperature responses related to CSF movement. One array placed adjacent the cooling device collects data on thermal properties of skin including skin thermal conductivity, specific heat, diffusivity, perfusion, and thermal inertia. The method involves assessing thermal properties of skin and measuring CSF flow in shunt tubing. The method is useful for shunt patency assessment, CSF valve adjustment procedures and CSF flow measurements related to CSF over drainage. Alternatively, only one section of sensors need be used when determining relative CSF flow, without the need to determine thermal skin properties and by applying the cooling device continuously.

Abstract: Blood pressure measurement devices comprising a transducer may have error introduced when the transducer is placed in mechanical communication with a vein or artery. This error may be based on alignment, applanation, calibration, and the contact based stress required to obtain a signal from pressure in a vein or artery. The present invention teaches isolating and removing this error from the blood pressure system which may increase the accuracy of the measurement. Calibration is also provided.

Abstract: A system for measuring quantitative CSF flow in shunt tubing implanted under the skin. The system includes an array of thermosensors clustered in three sections, cooling device, placed on the skin surface and an associated data acquisition and analysis device. Two sensor sections are placed over the shunt on the skin and measure real time temperature responses related to CSF movement. One array placed adjacent the cooling device collects data on thermal properties of skin including skin thermal condictivity, specific heat, diffusivity, perfusion, and thermal inertia. The method involves assessing thermal properties of skin and measuring CSF flow in shunt tubing. The method is useful for shunt patency assessment, CSF valve adjustment procedures and CSF flow measurements related to CSF over drainage. Alternatively, only one section of sensors need be used when determining relative CSF flow, without the need to determine thermal skin properties and by applying the cooling device continuously.

Abstract: A method and device for testing for the presence, absence and/or rate of flow in a shunt tubing implanted under the skin by using a measurement pad having a plurality of temperature sensors, one of which is aligned with the shunt and the other sensors being symmetrically displaced on either side of the first temperature sensor in a direction transverse to the shunt tubing. These “outer” temperature sensors act as control temperature sensors. A temperature source, e.g., a cooling agent, positioned within an insulated enclosure, is then applied at a predetermined location on the measurement pad that is insulated from the temperature sensors. The movement of this temperature “pulse” is detected by the shunt-aligned temperature sensor via the shunt tubing as the CSF carries the temperature pulse while the control sensors detect the pulse via convection through the skin. The temperature data from these sensors are provided to a CSF analyzer that determines a CSF shunt flow status or flow rate.

Abstract: A system and method for non-invasively detecting intracranial pressure (ICP) of a living being by detecting impedance mismatches between carotid arteries and cerebral vessels via a reflection of the carotid pressure waveform using a pressure sensor positioned against the palpable carotid artery, as well as analyzing the reflection and comparing the analysis with known cerebral vasculature data, to calculate ICP non-invasively. A remote blood pressure waveform can also be used to compensate for blood system impedance.