Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings include a respiratory system for automatically and variably controlling the supply of a pressurized breathing gas to a patient via a breathing circuit that is in fluid communication with the lungs of the patient. The respiratory system has a demand valve in fluid communication with a source of pressurized gas. The demand valve is switchable between a open position, in which an inhalation conduit of the breathing circuit is in fluid communication with the source of pressurized gas, and a closed position, in which the inhalation conduit is not in fluid communication with the source of pressurized gas. The demand valve is proportionally moveable between the open and closed positions in response to a pressure within a reference chamber which is in fluid communication with the trachea of the patient.

Abstract: A method and corresponding medical ventilator for nullifying the work of breathing imposed by the ventilation breathing apparatus during ventilation support of a patient having a source of breathing gas, a pressure sensor, a microprocessor, at least one actuator of a pneumatic system, and driver circuits. The medical ventilator is in fluid communication with the source of breathing and an endotracheal tube which is in fluid communication with the lungs of the patient. At least one driver circuit adjusts at least one actuator to change the supply of the breathing gas. The pressure sensor measures the pressure of the gas proximate the distal end of the endotracheal tube and generates an output based on the sensed pressure. The microprocessor controls the supply of the breathing gas exiting the pneumatic system of the ventilator and is electrically coupled to the output of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings include a respiratory system for automatically and variably controlling the supply of a pressurized breathing gas to a patient via a breathing circuit that is in fluid communication with the lungs of the patient. The respiratory system has a demand valve in fluid communication with a source of pressurized gas. The demand valve is switchable between a open position, in which an inhalation conduit of the breathing circuit is in fluid communication with the source of pressurized gas, and a closed position, in which the inhalation conduit is not in fluid communication with the source of pressurized gas. The demand valve is proportionally moveable between the open and closed positions in response to a pressure within a reference chamber which is in fluid communication with the trachea of the patient.

Abstract: An open- or closed-loop method and corresponding medical ventilator for providing breathing gas to a patient such that the patient exerts a desired work of breathing during pressure support ventilation, and such that the work of breathing of the patient is monitored and the pressure and/or flow rate of the breathing gas provided to the patient is controlled throughout the inspiratory phase to provide a pressure support ventilation level that provides the desired work of breathing in the patient.

Abstract: A dynamic self-adjusting dual-action clamp comprising a first clamping component defining a plane and generating clamping force along a first clamping axis in that plane, and a second clamping component generating force in a second clamping axis substantially perpendicular to the first clamping axis, but within the same plane as the first clamping axis. The invention further includes elements used to adapt a standard spring actuated pliers-type clamp to convert such clamp to the dual-action clamp described above.

Abstract: A dynamic self-adjusting dual-action clamp comprising a first clamping component defining a plane and generating clamping force along a first clamping axis in that plane, and a second clamping component generating force in a second clamping axis substantially perpendicular to the first clamping axis, but within the same plane as the first clamping axis. The invention further includes elements used to adapt a standard spring actuated pliers-type clamp to convert such clamp to the dual-action clamp described above.