Abstract: A comfortable low-leak mask assembly for use with Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) is provided to improve patient compliance and/or treatment. The mask system may include headgear having straps that are substantially inextensible and/or micro-adjustable; and/or a mask and/or cushion that includes various structures to allow enhanced/tailored sealing and/or fit at selected locations on the patient's face.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring contact pressures between two surfaces, and especially, between the body and a device resting on the body, e.g., the skin and a breathable gas mask. A deformable, resilient probe having a flow passage therein is initially placed between the two surfaces such that the flow passage is blocked. Fluid pressure within the probe is then increased until the pressure in the probe overcomes the contact pressure between the two surfaces, such that fluid begins to flow through the flow passage in the probe. The pressure at which the fluid begins to flow through the flow passage in the probe is recorded as the contact pressure between the two surfaces. Contact pressure maps created using this apparatus and method may be used to create anthropometric models of the face and other body parts.

Abstract: A flow diverter valve is used in controlling the pressure and/or flow rate of a breathable gas supplied to the airways of a patient by a breathable gas flow generator supply apparatus during, for example, ventilatory assistance treatments such as non-invasive positive pressure ventilation and nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The flow diverter valve includes a vane and a housing. The housing has an inlet port, an outlet port, and an exhaust port. The exhaust port opens to atmosphere, and the inlet port is in fluid communication with the flow generator. The outlet port is in fluid communication with a patient mask via a conduit. The vane is configured with respect to the housing such that a blower associated with the CPAP apparatus remains substantially unchoked, regardless of whether the vane is in the open or closed position.

Abstract: A system, method of use, and a plurality of types of Radio Frequency Transponders (RF Tags). The RF Tags carry a directory or a tag type number which determines the layout of information in the tag memory. The tag type numbers are arranged hierarchically.

Abstract: An RF tag has an enable/disable circuit connected to a critical part of an electronic object/circuit, e.g. a computer mother board. The critical part of the circuit is any circuit component and/or connection that can enable and/or disable the electric circuit operation. Signals are sent to the tag to change data in the tag memory which causes the enable/disable tag circuit to control the critical part to enable and disable the electric circuit. A system checks the status of the tag, e.g. the electronic circuit was paid for, before enabling the electronic circuit.

Abstract: An RF tag has an enable/disable circuit connected to a critical part of an electronic object/circuit, e.g. a computer mother board. The critical part of the circuit is any circuit component and/or connection that can enable and/or disable the electric circuit operation. Signals are sent to the tag to change data in the tag memory which causes the enable/disable tag circuit to control the critical part to enable and disable the electric circuit. A system checks the status of the tag, e.g. the electronic circuit was paid for, before enabling the electronic circuit.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for selecting certain subgroups of radio frequency (RF) tags for querying, communicating, and/or identifying by a base station. The base station sends commands to a group tags within a RF field of the base station. The tags use control logic to determine whether or not they meet certain criteria sent out by the commands. This may cause the tags to change state which either prevents or allows a given tag to participate in an identification process. In this way, a given subgroup(s) of tags meeting certain criteria can be selected for querying, communicating, and/or identifying.

Abstract: A striking apparatus includes a resilient joint between a support and a strike receiving target. The hinge member has two resilient leaves joined to each other and retaining the target therebetween. A set of central stiffeners on the hinge leaves defines the preferential hinge axis. The apparatus includes a base section with a support arm which is attachable through a bracket to a vertical support. Posts extending perpendicular to planar plates defining the support and the target carry changeable dampers in the form of bands, O-rings or flexible rods, for user selection of target resistance.