Abstract: A method of detecting dyssynchrony between a patient and a pressure support system includes receiving patient flow data relating to a flow of gas provided to the patient by the pressure support system, receiving an I/E state signal representing a respiratory phase of the patient as determined by the pressure support system, and analyzing the patient flow data and the I/E state signal and declaring a dyssynchrony for a breath based on at least one of the patient flow data and the I/E state signal. The method includes determining whether at least one of a number of predetermined criterion is satisfied based on at least one of the patient flow data and the I/E state signal, and declaring the dyssynchrony for the breath if it is determined that at least one of the number of predetermined criterion is satisfied.

Abstract: A method of operating a ventilator or pressure support system that automatically determines a timed back up rate for the patient based on the patient's spontaneous breathing patterns. The aggressiveness of the determined rate increases as the patient takes less spontaneous breaths. Also, a method wherein one or more mechanisms are used to determine whether a machine breath should be issued. Each mechanism consists of a basic timing element coupled with one or more logical permits. Both the timing element and each of the one or more logical permits must be satisfied to allow the timing mechanism to trigger a machine breath.

Abstract: A pressure support methodology and system that utilizes at least two, and possibly all three, of information relating to (i) airway patency, i.e., the degree to which the patient's airway is open, (ii) the primary cause of the current sleep disordered breathing event, and (iii) the patient's response to previous pressure changes to automatically titrate pressure when presented with a sleep disordered breathing event. In another embodiment, pressure may be automatically titrated based solely on the primary cause of the sleep disordered breathing event.

Abstract: A method for selecting a device adapted to treat disordered breathing includes determining a number of characteristics associated with at least a portion of the airway of a patient, comparing each of at least some of the number of characteristics to a corresponding threshold, and selecting such a device in response to the comparison. An alternative method for selecting a device adapted to treat disordered breathing includes delivering a flow of breathing gas to the airway of a patient, determining a minimum effective therapeutic pressure associated with such patient, and selecting, relative to the minimum effective therapeutic pressure, an oral appliance or one of a number of patient interface devices.

Abstract: A pivoting storage apparatus that is adapted to storage structures such as cabinets, refrigerators, and the like, whose horizontal interior storage surfaces are generally rectangular. The shelving system is presented in the form of a shelf accessory, in addition to use as an independent storage platform. A portion of the rotary shelving is capable of being manually drawn out of the confines of the storage structure's interior by the user, thereby enabling easy access to shelf contents.

Abstract: A pivoting storage apparatus that is adapted to storage structures such as cabinets, refrigerators, and the like, whose horizontal interior storage surfaces are generally rectangular. The shelving system is presented in the form of a shelf accessory, in addition to use as an independent storage platform. A portion of the rotary shelving is capable of being manually drawn out of the confines of the storage structure's interior by the user, thereby enabling easy access to shelf contents.

Abstract: A pressure generating system and method for generating a flow of fluid at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The system includes a pressure generator and a valve that controls the pressure/flow of gas delivered to the patient. The system monitors energy provided to the valve, a characteristics associated with movement of the valve, a position of the valve, or any combination thereof. In addition, the controller controls an operating speed of the pressure generator such that the valve operates over a majority of the range of positions during use of the pressure support system.

Abstract: A pivoting storage apparatus that is adapted to storage structures such as cabinets, refrigerators, and the like, whose horizontal interior storage surfaces are generally rectangular. The shelving system is presented in the form of a shelf accessory, in addition to use as an independent storage platform. A portion of the rotary shelving is capable of being manually drawn out of the confines of the storage structure's interior by the user, thereby enabling easy access to shelf contents.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The system monitors a characteristic that varies based on variations of the flow of the breathing gas and determines a Target Flow for the gas to be delivered to the patient based on the monitored characteristic. The Target Flow is set to a level sufficient to treat Cheyne-Stokes respiration or a sleep disordered breathing event. The system also alters the Target Flow based on a determination that the patient is experiencing a sleep disordered breathing event. The system further determines a pressure relief component and controls the flow of gas delivered to the patient based on the Target Flow and the pressure relief component.

Abstract: A device housing for signal devices that are to be placed on a premise of a user, the device housing encouraging access to certain connections and discouraging access to certain connections once the device housing is mounted to a mounting surface. The device housing includes a first housing portion defining a first cavity enclosing electrical components and a second housing portion defining a second cavity. The second housing portion adjoins the first housing portion. An adjoining wall separates the first cavity from the second cavity. An open side of the second cavity is positioned to extend along the mounting surface. At least one user connection is mounted to an external sidewall of the first housing portion, and at least one restricted connection is mounted to the adjoining wall. The restricted connection extends into the second cavity.

Abstract: A method of operating a ventilator or pressure support system that automatically determines a timed back up rate for the patient based on the patient's spontaneous breathing patterns. The aggressiveness of the determined rate increases as the patient takes less spontaneous breaths. Also, a method wherein one or more mechanisms are used to determine whether a machine breath should be issued. Each mechanism consists of a basic timing element coupled with one or more logical permits. Both the timing element and each of the one or more logical permits must be satisfied to allow the timing mechanism to trigger a machine breath.

Abstract: A pressure support methodology and system that utilizes at least two, and possibly all three, of information relating to (i) airway patency, i.e., the degree to which the patient's airway is open, (ii) the primary cause of the current sleep disordered breathing event, and (iii) the patient's response to previous pressure changes to automatically titrate pressure when presented with a sleep disordered breathing event. In another embodiment, pressure may be automatically titrated based solely on the primary cause of the sleep disordered breathing event.

Abstract: A method of detecting dyssynchrony between a patient and a pressure support system includes receiving patient flow data relating to a flow of gas provided to the patient by the pressure support system, receiving an I/E state signal representing a respiratory phase of the patient as determined by the pressure support system, and analyzing the patient flow data and the I/E state signal and declaring a dyssynchrony for a breath based on at least one of the patient flow data and the I/E state signal. The method includes determining whether at least one of a number of predetermined criterion is satisfied based on at least one of the patient flow data and the I/E state signal, and declaring the dyssynchrony for the breath if it is determined that at least one of the number of predetermined criterion is satisfied.

Abstract: A child exercise device including a base assembly, a kick panel support assembly, a kick panel assembly, and a seat assembly. The base assembly includes a housing and a plurality of tracks oriented substantially parallel to each other. The kick panel support assembly is supported by the base and includes a plate coupled to the housing and a front panel coupled to the plate, the front panel having a plurality of apertures. The kick panel assembly is received by the plurality of apertures and includes a frame and a panel supported by the frame. The seat assembly includes a seat adapted to support the child and a plurality of wheels coupled to the seat and adapted to be received in one of the tracks in the base.

Abstract: A child exercise device including a base assembly, a kick panel support assembly, a kick panel assembly, and a seat assembly. The base assembly includes a housing and a plurality of tracks oriented substantially parallel to each other. The kick panel support assembly is supported by the base and includes a plate coupled to the housing and a front panel coupled to the plate, the front panel having a plurality of apertures. The kick panel assembly is received by the plurality of apertures and includes a frame and a panel supported by the frame. The seat assembly includes a seat adapted to support the child and a plurality of wheels coupled to the seat and adapted to be received in one of the tracks in the base.

Abstract: A pressure support system and method of treating disordered breathing that optimizes the pressure delivered to the patient to treat the disordered breathing while minimizing the delivered pressure for patient comfort. The controller in the pressure support system operates as a set of prioritized control layers, wherein each control layer competes for control of the pressure generating system to implement a unique pressure control process. The pressure support system also controls the pressure provided to the patient based on the variability of the monitored data and a trend analysis of this data, including an indication of the skewness of the patient's inspiratory waveform.

Abstract: A device housing for signal devices that are to be placed on a premise of a user, the device housing encouraging access to certain connections and discouraging access to certain connections once the device housing is mounted to a mounting surface. The device housing includes a first housing portion defining a first cavity enclosing electrical components and a second housing portion defining a second cavity. The second housing portion adjoins the first housing portion. An adjoining wall separates the first cavity from the second cavity. An open side of the second cavity is positioned to extend along the mounting surface. At least one user connection is mounted to an external sidewall of the first housing portion, and at least one restricted connection is mounted to the adjoining wall. The restricted connection extends into the second cavity.

Abstract: A pivoting storage apparatus that is adapted to storage structures such as cabinets, refrigerators, and the like, whose horizontal interior storage surfaces are generally rectangular. The shelving system is presented in the form of a shelf accessory, in addition to use as an independent storage platform. A portion of the rotary shelving is capable of being manually drawn out of the confines of the storage structure's interior by the user, thereby enabling easy access to shelf contents.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The system monitors a characteristic that varies based on variations of the flow of the breathing gas and determines a Target Flow for the gas to be delivered to the patient based on the monitored characteristic. The Target Flow is set to a level sufficient to treat Cheyne-Stokes respiration or a sleep disordered breathing event. The system also alters the Target Flow based on a determination that the patient is experiencing a sleep disordered breathing event. The system further determines a pressure relief component and controls the flow of gas delivered to the patient based on the Target Flow and the pressure relief component.