Abstract: In a method for detaching a web threading tail from a moving surface in a fiber web machine, the web threading tail (12) is detached from a moving surface (23) by means of air that flows from a blow-off blow channel (19) included in a blade holder (14). A trailing blow (26) is directed to the web threading tail (12) using air that flows from a trailing blow channel (17) included in the blade holder (14). The blade holder (14) includes a flow surface (32), and the trailing blow (26) is blown to the same direction with or in a small angle relative to the flow surface (32). The invention also relates to a corresponding blade holder and a doctor apparatus for detaching a web threading tail from a moving surface in a fiber web machine.

Abstract: In a method for detaching a web threading tail from a moving surface in a fiber web machine, the web threading tail (12) is detached from a moving surface (23) by means of air that flows from a blow-off blow channel (19) included in a blade holder (14). A trailing blow (26) is directed to the web threading tail (12) using air that flows from a trailing blow channel (17) included in the blade holder (14). The blade holder (14) includes a flow surface (32), and the trailing blow (26) is blown to the same direction with or in a small angle relative to the flow surface (32). The invention also relates to a corresponding blade holder and a doctor apparatus for detaching a web threading tail from a moving surface in a fiber web machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism for determining the depth of sleep of a subject. In order to obtain information about the continuum of the depth of sleep in a user-friendly way without a need for high computational power, EEG signal data is obtained from a subject, REM sleep periods of the subject are detected, and a measure indicative of irregularity in the EEG signal data is derived. Based on the measure and the depicted REM sleep periods, a sleep depth index and state information are produced, where the index is indicative of the depth of sleep of the subject and the state information indicates whether or not the EEG signal data is obtained during a REM sleep period. The detection of the REM periods may be based on a bioimpedance measured from EEG electrodes simultaneously with the EEG measurement or on EOG signal data measured from the subject.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for obtaining diagnostic information of a patient, the method comprising the steps of carrying out heart rate measurements of the patient at least during two sleep stages before the operation to obtain preoperative heart rate data, carrying out measurements containing information related to the different stages of sleep that are synchronized with the heart rate measurements to obtain preoperative sleep stage data, and calculating a dynamic heart rate variability measures by utilizing non-linear analysis from heart rate data obtained and enabling comparison of the heart rate variability measure between at least two different stages of the sleep state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism for determining the depth of sleep of a subject. In order to obtain information about the continuum of the depth of sleep in a user-friendly way without a need for high computational power, EEG signal data is obtained from a subject, REM sleep periods of the subject are detected, and a measure indicative of irregularity in the EEG signal data is derived. Based on the measure and the detected REM sleep periods, a sleep depth index and state information are produced, where the index is indicative of the depth of sleep of the subject and the state information indicates whether or not the EEG signal data is obtained during a REM sleep period. The detection of the REM periods may be based on a bioimpedance measured from EEG electrodes simultaneously with the EEG measurement or on EOG signal data measured from the subject.

Abstract: A method and a device for recording at least one signal from an object. The method comprises the following steps. Providing a recording device comprising at least one electrode and/or a sensor, a preamplifier, microprocessor, A/D-converter, memory and a power source, attaching the recording device on the surface of the object, activating data collection from the signal obtained from the object when the recording device is in contact to the surface, letting the data collection run continuously for a preset time characteristic for the purpose of the study and returning the recording device to a service provider for calculating and analyzing the results off-line with computer programs.

Abstract: A unitary, multi-electrode biopotential signal sensor is formed of injection molded plastic. A plurality of electrode areas containing spikes are defined in a base member of the sensor. The remaining areas of the base member are formed to have a greater flexibility than the electrode areas, as by being thinner or being perforated. The spikes and electrode areas of the base member are coated with a conductor layer to form the electrodes. Conductors on the base member lead to connectors to provide biopotential signals from the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with equipment used in patient care, the arrangement comprising a controllable device (2a, 2b), a measuring device (5a, 5b) adapted to measure a measuring signal dependent on the controllable parameter, a measuring point of the measuring signal, a transmission link (21, 22) between the measuring point of the measuring signal and the measuring device, which transmission link requires a separate connection, whereby the measuring device (5a, 5b) is adapted to convert the measuring signal into measuring value which correlates with the operation of the controllable device, and the arrangement further comprising a user interface (20) and a control unit (7a, 7b) adapted to control the controllable device on the basis of the measuring value and the set values.

Abstract: A method and system for combining active and passive neuromonitoring methods to measure biopotential signals in sedated ICU patients over the entire range of sedation from fully alert to the suppression of EEG. The system utilizes an integrated sensor that includes a sound generator and a plurality of EEG electrodes on a single, lightweight disposable component. The method of the present invention utilizes a control unit for switching between active and passive monitoring methods, depending upon the level of sedation. The control unit displays the results of active monitoring during levels of consciousness and light sedation and displays the results of passive monitoring during levels of deep sedation.

Abstract: A unitary, multi-electrode biopotential signal sensor is formed of injection molded plastic. A plurality of electrode areas containing spikes are defined in a base member of the sensor. The remaining areas of the base member are formed to have a greater flexibility than the electrode areas, as by being thinner or being perforated. The spikes and electrode areas of the base member are coated with a conductor layer to form the electrodes. Conductors on the base member lead to connectors to provide biopotential signals from the electrodes.

Abstract: A medical electrode for obtaining biopotentials from the skin of a subject or electrically stimulating the subject's skin and deeper tissue layers. The electrode has a carrier base member from which project a plurality of spikes arranged in an array on one surface of the base member. The spikes are sufficiently long to penetrate through the stratum corneum into the stratum germinativum of the subject's skin. The spikes may be formed by a deep reactive ion etching process on a silicon wafer forming the base member. A fluid container may be formed on another surface of the skin for providing a drug to the surface of the skin through holes in the base member. The action of the spikes on the skin enhances administration of the drug.

Abstract: A method for improving oxygenation in subjects having essentially healthy lungs, as evidenced by the absence of a diagnosis of lung disease or injury, but having reduced alveolar gas exchange area. This reduction may be caused by such acute circumstances as an unnatural body position, or may be, for example, chronic as caused by obesity. The method employs the administration of nitric oxide (NO) into the breathing gases of such subjects. NO provided to alveoli collapsing during expiration is small compared to those remaining open, thereby to provide net reduction in the shunt and thus an oxygenation improvement. This result may be gained either by precise control of the inspired NO concentration or by pulsed administration of the NO.

Abstract: An electrode for acquiring bioelectrical signals employs an array of spikes that penetrate the viable epidermis layer of the skin of a patient. The spikes may be conductive to provide the bioelectrical signal. Or, the spikes may extend through a conductive layer that provides the bioelectrical signal. The signal obtained from the patient may be amplified using an amplifier and battery circuit present on the electrode body. The electrode may be used with or without conductive paste or gel.

Abstract: A method/apparatus for non-invasively measuring a neurological activity state in the brain of a subject to ascertain, for example, the state of the hypnotic component of the subject's anesthesia. The method/apparatus comprises means for, or the step of, passing light through a portion of the brain of the subject, the light having a characteristic that subjects it to scattering during passage by tissues of the brain, the light scattering capabilities of the brain tissues varying responsive to their neurological activity. The light exiting the brain tissue portion is measured to determine the amount of scattering it has undergone as a measurement of the state of the hypnotic component of the subject's anesthesia. Light having a wavelength in a range of 650-1000 nm, preferably around 800 nm may be used.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the intratracheal pressure of a patient intubated with an endotracheal tube. An infusion conduit has a first end at the proximal end of the endotracheal tube and a second end proximate to the distal end of the endotracheal tube. The first end of the infusion conduit is connectable to a pressure sensing unit. A fluid source flows a gaseous or liquid fluid through the infusion conduit to maintain the patency of the infusion conduit from the first end to the second end and to allow the pressure obtained at the second end of the infusion conduit to be used to determine the intratracheal pressure of the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable collection container (5) for a test person, and a method for measuring and analyzing the expiration gas collected into the container (5). The container (5) is made of laminate. In the method, the container when discharged by low pressure suction, is folded into its original folded state.

Abstract: A method for recognizing and identifying emergency situations in an anesthesia system measures a plurality of variables associated with an anesthesia delivery, the measurement values of said measured variables are formed into pattern vectors characterizing the instantaneous states of the system, the system is trained prior to the actual measurement situation with a reference material comprising pattern vectors corresponding to actual situations, and on the basis of measured pattern vectors corresponding to actual situations, and on the basis of measured pattern vectors and trained material, the emergency situations are recognized and possibly identified. The reference material is trained to the system using self-organizing maps, and the pattern vectors formed from the measurement results are compared with weight vectors (m.sub.1) of the self-organizing map to recognize and identify the emergency situations.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a respiratory gas flow, comprising a gas collector unit (8), which separates an ambient gas space from that remaining inside the gas collector unit and in which a patient respires the gas contained in said gas collector unit. A conduit (7) flows a respiratory gas from one or more gas sources (1) into the gas collector unit (8) to be respired by a patient, and a conduit (14) delivers a respiratory gas, which at least partially contains a gas exhaled by a patient, from the gas collector unit (8) to a measuring device (13) for examination. The pressure difference between a gas space protected by the gas collected unit and a gas space existing outside it is indicated by a pressure-difference detecting element (17). A method for monitoring a respiratory gas flow compares the pressure of a respiratory gas existing inside the gas collector unit (8) with that prevailing outside the gas collector unit and adjust gas flows accordingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering respiratory gases to a patient maintains a mixture of gases stable and minimizes the effects of ambient air leakage. Some of the gases supplied to a gas collection unit in which the patient's head is placed are by-passed to a buffer space that partially surrounds the gas collection unit. The volume of the buffer space stabilizes the mixture and outflow from the buffer space minimizes ambient air leakage into the gas collection unit. Gases from the gas collection unit are supplied to a measuring unit for analyzing the gas respired by the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device intended for monitoring the carbon dioxide output, oxygen consumption and respiration quotient of a patient connected to a respirator. The device comprises O.sub.2 (15) and CO.sub.2 (14) analyzers, a mixing chamber (6), a constant flow fan (8), a gas collector hose (2) and magnetic valves (10-13). The carbon dioxide output and oxygen consumption are directly calculated from the carbon dioxide content of gas mixed with constant air flow from said mixing chamber, from the carbon dioxide and oxygen contents of the gas in said mixing chamber, and from the oxygen content of the gas delivered into a patient by said respirator.