Abstract: A method for controlling a humidifier of a CPAP device including a controller, the method including controlling a heating element in the humidifier with command signals from the controller, sensing a temperature of a fluid in the humidifier with a sensor in the humidifier that transmits signals to the controller, establishing an acceptable operating range for the signal transmitted to the controller, determining whether the transmitted signal is within the acceptable operating range, if the signal is within the acceptable operating range treating the signal as being indicative of the temperature of the fluid in the humidifier and using the signal to control the heating element, and if the signal is outside of the acceptable operating range, the controller determines the humidifier to be unavailable.

Abstract: A flow generator for a CPAP system configured to deliver a pressurized flow of respiratory gas to a patient's airways includes a housing and a motorized fan positioned within the housing. The motorized fan is configured to pressurize the flow of respiratory gas. In addition, an outlet port is provided in the housing. The outlet port is configured to connect to a humidifier or an air delivery tube and is in communication with an outlet of the motorized fan. The flow generator further includes a water collection receptacle in communication with the outlet port and the motorized fan outlet. The water collection receptacle is configured to collect water entering the flow generator through the outlet port before the water reaches the motorized fan outlet.

Abstract: A humidifier assembly is configured to humidify a pressurized flow of breathable gas from a flow generator of a CPAP unit and includes a base configured to be attached to the flow generator, the base including a recess portion. A water receptacle is configured to be received within the recess portion of the base and includes a floor and a flange around an opening at the top of the water receptacle. A lid is hingedly attached to the base and is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position. This lid includes a top wall, an outer depending wall, an inner depending wall in the form of a double wall, and an outlet pipe. A lid seal is attached to an underside of the top wall of the lid by way of a tongue and groove structure. A catch is located on the base and configured to lock the lid in the closed position.

Abstract: A method for controlling a humidifier of a CPAP device including a controller, the method including controlling a heating element in the humidifier with command signals from the controller, sensing a temperature of a fluid in the humidifier with a sensor in the humidifier that transmits signals to the controller, establishing an acceptable operating range for the signal transmitted to the controller; determining whether the transmitted signal is within the acceptable operating range, if the signal is within the acceptable operating range treating the signal as being indicative of the temperature of the fluid in the humidifier and using the signal to control the heating element, and if the signal is outside of the acceptable operating range, the controller determines the humidifier to be unavailable.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an x-ray system, comprising: a support structure including a mounting surface; a target attached to the support structure on the mounting surface; wherein the target has a grain structure having a first dimension along an axis perpendicular to the mounting surface is longer than a longest dimension along any axis parallel to the mounting surface.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an x-ray system, comprising: a support structure including a mounting surface; a target attached to the support structure on the mounting surface; wherein the target has a grain structure having a first dimension along an axis perpendicular to the mounting surface is longer than a longest dimension along any axis parallel to the mounting surface.

Abstract: A method for controlling a humidifier of a CPAP device including a controller, the method including controlling a heating element in the humidifier with command signals from the controller, sensing a temperature of a fluid in the humidifier with a sensor in the humidifier that transmits signals to the controller, establishing an acceptable operating range for the signal transmitted to the controller; determining whether the transmitted signal is within the acceptable operating range, if the signal is within the acceptable operating range treating the signal as being indicative of the temperature of the fluid in the humidifier and using the signal to control the heating element, and if the signal is outside of the acceptable operating range, the controller determines the humidifier to be unavailable.

Abstract: A positive airway pressure (PAP) device for supplying a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas and a humidifier configured to receive and humidify the pressurized flow of breathable gas from the flow generator. The PAP device also includes a power source. The flow generator, humidifier and power source are positioned so that heat generated by at least one of the flow generator and the power source is conveyed to water in the humidifier.

Abstract: A CPAP device includes a flow generator including an outlet, a humidifier including an inlet, and an adaptor connector between the outlet of the flow generator and the inlet of the humidifier. The connector includes a flexible and conformable sealing portion that is movable to accommodate misalignment.

Abstract: A breathable gas supply apparatus has a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas and a humidifier base unit configured to be coupled to the flow generator. A water container is configured to be removably coupled to the humidifier base unit and includes an air inlet and an air inlet passage extending into an interior of the water container from the air inlet. The air inlet passage is configured to direct the pressurized flow of breathable gas in a direction that is substantially parallel to a base of the water container. A barrier wall is provided across an outlet end of the air inlet passage and extends downward from the air inlet passage toward the water container base. In addition, a curved wall opposes both the outlet end of the air inlet passage and the barrier wall and extends downward toward the water container base.

Abstract: A positive airway pressure (PAP) device for supplying a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas and a humidifier configured to receive and humidify the pressurized flow of breathable gas from the flow generator. The PAP device also includes a power source. The flow generator, humidifier and power source are positioned so that heat generated by at least one of the flow generator and the power source is conveyed to water in the humidifier.

Abstract: A CPAP device includes a flow generator including an outlet, a humidifier including an inlet, and an adaptor connector between the outlet of the flow generator and the inlet of the humidifier. The connector includes a flexible and conformable sealing portion that is movable to accommodate misalignment.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel liquid crystal based devices for the facile measurement of temperature in an MRI system. The thermometers comprise a plurality of vessels wherein each vessel contains a liquid crystal composition having a unique phase transition temperature. By scanning with appropriate techniques, the state of the liquid crystals in each vessel can be assessed, and the temperature at the time of the scan can be determined by the state of the liquid crystal compositions. Also provided are novel vessels and assemblies of vessels that can be used as MRI thermometers and which are compatible with MRI phantoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements to powered air purifying respirators (PAPR). PAPR are known generally for use in polluted environments. A typical PAPR comprises a powered impellor arranged to draw air from the atmosphere, a filter element and a mask to provide the filtered and pressurized air to the user. Embodiments of the present invention place a generator unit, comprising a filter and impellor for pressurizing the air, behind the head of the user, and include components for improving delivery of the air to the user and improving its quality.

Abstract: A respirator system includes a respirator with an air filter, a flow generator with a sensorless DC motor, a mask, a processor, a sensor, an electric power source, and a wireless transceiver. The respirator filters air, increase the pressure of the air, delivers the air to the mask at a pressure above ambient, gathers data with the sensor about operation of the respirator, and transmits the data. An intermediate electronic device is separate and remote from the respirator, and is configured to receive the transmitted data process the data, and re-transmit the data. A computer receives the data, processes the data and generates at least one report regarding the respirator or a user of the respirator.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a tub configured to hold a supply of water. The tub includes a tub lid and a tub base adapted to be coupled to the tub lid. The tub further includes a base plate formed of a heat conducting material and adapted to be coupled to the tub base and a seal positioned between the base plate and the tub base. The tub also includes a retaining mechanism with at least one projection that projects from the tub base and is configured to force the base plate against the seal so that the seal is secured against the tub base.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a tub configured to hold a supply of water. The tub includes a tub lid and a tub base adapted to be coupled to the tub lid. The tub further includes a base plate formed of a heat conducting material and adapted to be coupled to the tub base and a seal positioned between the base plate and the tub base. The tub also includes a retaining mechanism with at least one projection that projects from the tub base and is configured to force the base plate against the seal so that the seal is secured against the tub base.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel liquid crystal based devices for the facile measurement of temperature in an MRI system. The thermometers comprise a plurality of vessels wherein each vessel contains a liquid crystal composition having a unique phase transition temperature. By scanning with appropriate techniques, the state of the liquid crystals in each vessel can be assessed, and the temperature at the time of the scan can be determined by the state of the liquid crystal compositions. Also provided are novel vessels and assemblies of vessels that can be used as MRI thermometers and which are compatible with MRI phantoms.

Abstract: A positive airway pressure (PAP) device for supplying a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas and a humidifier configured to receive and humidify the pressurized flow of breathable gas from the flow generator. The PAP device also includes a power source. The flow generator, humidifier and power source are positioned so that heat generated by at least one of the flow generator and the power source is conveyed to water in the humidifier.