Abstract: A filter cartridge 12 that includes a filter material 42, an end-of-service-life-indicator 40, a cartridge housing 22, and a window 38. The filter material 42 and ESLI 40 are disposed in the housing, and the ESLI 40 may be viewed through the window 38. The window 38 is configured such that the ESLI 40 can only be seen within a cone defined by an angle ? of 20 to 70 degrees. The limited viewing range precludes reader error when examining the ESLI for color change.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for detecting the performance of a crew oxygen system. The method comprising: obtaining an oxygen pressure of an oxygen cylinder of the crew oxygen system, an ambient air temperature and a cockpit temperature; generating crew oxygen messages from obtained oxygen cylinder of the crew oxygen system, the ambient air temperature and the cockpit temperature; receiving the crew oxygen messages, and determining an oxygen pressure of the oxygen cylinder under standard temperature; and determining performance of the crew oxygen system.

Abstract: An airway device (14), that is used to maintain a clear airway in a patient, e.g. for artificial ventilation during surgery, comprises an inflatable cuff (26), which is inflated when in position in a patient's airway (24). The inflated cuff (26) provides a seal to maintain the device (14) in position in a patient's airway (24), and to prevent leakage of infected oropharangeal secretions into the patient's lungs. A method and apparatus (10) for monitoring and controlling the pressure in the inflatable cuff (26) is described, which, in one embodiment, controls the pressure about a setpoint pressure, whilst preventing loss of sealing pressure during a patient's respiratory cycle. In other embodiments, the method and apparatus monitors for: leaks in the pressure system of the device (14) that includes the cuff (26); blockage in the pressure system, and/or malpositioning of the airway device (14) during use.

Abstract: A patient care unit (1) with a reclining surface has one or more docking devices designed as inductive coupling sites (7) for medical technical devices (10, 11, 12), which consume electrical energy and can be connected to the patient care unit. The inductive coupling sites (7) also supply the patient care unit (1) with electrical energy by means of an external line connection, which is likewise coupled inductively with the patient care unit (1).

Abstract: A fault indicator for a strip advancement mechanism comprising a base that defines a fault sensing portion of a path for at least a component of a strip, an element for bearing against a strip, or a component of the strip, while it passes through the fault sensing portion of the path, wherein the element is adapted to move from that bearing or non-fault position, to a fault indicating position in the event of the strip or the component of the strip ceasing to pass through the fault sensing portion of the path.

Abstract: A filter cartridge 12 that includes a sorbent filter material 42, an end-of-service-life (ESLI) indicator 40, a housing, and a housing cover 24. The housing 22 has a sidewall 26 that has a window pane that allows the ESLI 40 to be viewed through it. The cover 24 is secured to a first perimeter 28 of the housing sidewall 26 and has an air throughput surface 32 and an opaque extension 36. The opaque extension 36 is positioned on the cover 24 such that the extension is juxtapositioned against an outer surface of the housing sidewall 26. The cover extension 36 also has a window pane located in it so that the ESLI 40 may be viewed through it too. The provision of an opaque extension 36 on the cover 24 and a window 38 in the extension 36 allows the ESLI 40 to be appropriately masked such that the sensor registration position is consistently achieved during manufacture of the filter cartridge 12.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for detecting a leak in an anesthesia system. The method includes controlling respiratory movements by means of ventilator gas flows and measuring the ventilator gas flow added for an inspiration and removed for an expiration. The method also includes supplying a fresh gas flow for a respiration and measuring the fresh gas flow added for the respiration. The method further includes receiving information indicative of the measured gas flows, determining based on said received information both the gas volume added and the gas volume removed and comparing these determined gas volumes to each other. The method also includes determining based on comparing the anesthesia system leakage.

Abstract: A medicine ejection apparatus which ejects a medicine for medicating a user has a medicine ejecting unit, which has an element that generates energy for ejecting the medicine, a drive control unit which controls a drive start and a drive stop of the element, and an ejection amount determining unit, which determines a total amount of a medicine that is ejected from the medicine ejecting unit after the element performs a drive stop. The drive control unit enables the element to perform driving to eject an amount of medicine calculated from a difference between a set ejection amount and the total amount of medicine that has actually been ejected, when the total amount ejected, as determined by the ejection amount determining unit, is less than the set ejection amount.

Abstract: A syringe having an internal pressure gauge comprises a syringe barrel; a piston within the barrel; a spring coupled to the piston at a first position of the spring, the spring having a second portion that is movable in response to fluid pressure within a syringe cavity; and a pressure gauge having an indicator correlated to a plurality of positions of the second portion of the spring to indicate a pressure of a fluid. The spring can be a bellows. The first portion of the spring can be coupled to the piston to form a sliding seal with an inner wall of the syringe, and the second portion of the spring can move longitudinally within the syringe without sealing contact.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus or a respirator can be equipped with a sensor of ambient airborne conditions. A display unit can be carried by a face mask for the apparatus or respirator. Responsive to output signals from the sensor, the display unit can present an air quality indicator, or a breathability indicator to a user of the apparatus or respirator.

Abstract: A test accessory for testing a variety respirators. The accessory is designed to compliment existing equipment to provide a robust assessment of respirator performance. The accessory may include a head form having an inflatable bladder capable of fitting a variety of sizes of respirator masks. In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder does not rely on adhesives to effect a seal, thereby eliminating manufacturing and quality assurance steps. The test accessory may also include a detachable instrumentation module that may be removed from the accessory, enabling calibration and maintenance at a remote facility without need for transporting the entire unit. The module may also house a memory device that may be upgraded with calibration data and firmware during the calibration process.

Abstract: A method for providing battery security in a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient is provided. A battery security system of the breathing assistance system receives battery data from a battery received in the breathing assistance system, and analyzes the received battery data to determine whether the battery is approved for use in the breathing assistance system. If the battery is determined to be approved for use in the breathing assistance system, the battery is allowed to provide power to the breathing assistance system. If the battery is not determined to be approved for use in the breathing assistance system, the battery is prevented from providing power to the breathing assistance system.

Abstract: A Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) regulator is tested using a breath simulator having (i) a cup-shaped housing defining an interior volume and an open end, and (ii) an empty syringe with a plunger disposed therein and terminating in a dispensing tip coupled to the housing for sealed fluid communication with the interior volume thereof.

Abstract: A monitoring device includes a housing that is constructed and arranged to be removably attached to a drug delivery device for an inhaled drug. A color detector is operatively associated with the housing and constructed and arranged to detect an identifying color of at least a portion of the drug delivery device when the housing is attached to the drug delivery device and to output color information for use by a processor to, based on the detected color, identify information about the inhaled drug.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for compensating for leakage when during delivery of gas from a medical ventilator in a proportional assist mode to a patient. The technology described herein includes systems and methods to compensate the delivery of PA ventilation for leakage in the patient circuit by using leak-compensated lung flows as well as leak-compensated respiratory mechanics parameters (lung compliance and lung resistance) estimated in a manner that compensates for elastic and inelastic leaks from the ventilation system.

Abstract: [Object of the Invention] An object of the present invention is to provide a breathing apparatus comprising a face piece for covering the whole face of a user, and a fan unit for operating synchronously with the breath timing of the user, wherein the breathing apparatus comprises a breath monitoring apparatus provided with a diaphragm and a sensor for detecting movement of the diaphragm, and wherein the location of the diaphragm and the sensor is optimized and a transmission path of inhale pressure and exhale pressure to the diaphragm is optimized.

Abstract: A filter cartridge 12 that includes a filter material 42, an end-of-service-life-indicator (ESLI) 40, a housing 22, a cover 24, and a window 38. The filter material 42 has first and second major surfaces 45, 47 and is disposed in the housing such that the second major surface 47 of the filter material is located downstream to the first major surface 45. The housing has a sidewall 26 through which the ESLI 40 can be seen. The cover 24 is secured to the housing 22 and has an opaque extension 36 that masks at least a portion of the housing sidewall 26. The window 38 is positioned on the extension 36 at a registration position where the ESLI 40 can be seen through the window 38 such that a change in a certain color of the ESLI 40 indicates that the cartridge 12 needs to be replaced. The use of the cartridge cover to provide the ESLI registration position allows the filter cartridges to be mass assembled without risk of error in achieving proper window registration.

Abstract: A confirmation device. The device includes a housing having a central passageway and a secondary passageway extending from the central passageway. The device also has a negative pressure member in communication with the secondary passageway and an indicator mechanism in fluid communication with the secondary passageway for visually indicating the presence of one or more components within the secondary passageway. The negative pressure member is operable to draw fluid across the indicator mechanism.

Abstract: A respirator shall be improved concerning better utilization of the carbon dioxide absorber (3). To accomplish the object, a transponder (5), which contains data on the type of absorber, the period of use and the current state of consumption, is arranged at the carbon dioxide absorber (3). A transponder polling device (8) at the respirator (1) reads the data from the memory chip (6) and an updated state of consumption is calculated from data on the operation of the respirator and stored again in the memory chip (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a protective mask. The apparatus includes a testing unit for testing a protective mask. The testing unit includes a headform upon which a protective mask to be tested is mounted. The testing unit is configured to take a sample of the challenge from two different locations about the protective mask. The testing unit may also be configured to inflate and deflate a neck seal protective mask when mounted on the headform prior to performing a mask leakage test to eliminate or significantly reduce pockets or folds that may hide a leak.

Abstract: A respirator leak detection system and method for increasing the sensitivity and accuracy of leak detection through the fit seal of a respirator. A charged particle separator is used to separate charged particles that pass therethrough and to draw charged particles away from an aerosol flow into a clean gas flow. The separator may also be configured as an aerosol concentrator that takes in a major aerosol flow and outputs a minor flow of higher particle concentration. Neutral particles having no charge, which may have passed through the filtering medium respirator and which are not indicative of fit seal leaks are not entrained in the output flow for subsequent detection, thus increasing the accuracy of the filter leak detection system.

Abstract: A device for detecting the relative humidity in a respiratory circuit is provided which includes a housing closed towards the outside by a transparent element, and towards the inside by a membrane permeable to the humidified gas passing through the equipment to which the device is applied and wherein the housing includes a humidity indicator element.

Abstract: A gas measurement apparatus can comprise a sensor and a processor, in an example. The sensor can measure a pressure condition of a gas tank, in an example. The processor can select at least one light source, the light source can be positioned or be of a distinct color to indicate a corresponding level of gas remaining in the tank when illuminated. The level of gas can be based on the measured pressure. Banks of high intensity LEDs can allow visually discernable colors at a significant distance underwater. A visual beacon mode can be included. An alphanumeric pressure readout mode can be included. A depth sensor can be included.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings include a system and method for monitoring the ventilation support provided by a ventilator and automatically supplying a breathing gas to a patient via a breathing circuit that is in fluid communication with the lungs of the patient.

Abstract: A pressure indicator for cuffed tracheal tubes is provided. This indicator uses an indicator balloon on the proximal end of the inflation lumen and in fluid communication with the tracheal tube cuff. As the pressure in the cuff changes, the balloon will inflate and deflate. An indicator needle rests on the balloon and moves in response to the inflation and deflation of the balloon, thus showing the state of inflation of the cuff.

Abstract: A gas measurement apparatus can comprise a sensor and a processor, in an example. The sensor can measure a pressure condition of a gas tank, in an example. The processor can select at least one light source, the light source can be positioned or of a distinct color to indicate a corresponding level of gas remaining in the tank when illuminated. The level of gas can be based on the measured pressure.

Abstract: A computer-implemented patient information provisioning method is disclosed. The method includes automatically extracting with a computer system, from records maintained for a patient under care in a healthcare facility, information from a electronic medical record; obtaining with the computer system information about a medical ventilator treating the patient; using the information from the electronic medical record and the information about the medical ventilator to determine whether a potentially dangerous condition exists with respect to the ventilator; and electronically alerting a caregiver if it is determined that a potentially dangerous condition exists.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for identifying monitoring and evaluating hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions. The system may be worn by safety personnel to detect equipment conditions such as low power supply, environmental conditions such as ambient temperature and/or physiological conditions such as heart rate of a wearer. The system may further include a control unit having electronics operable to communicate signals associated with equipment, environmental and physiological conditions.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide sensor for use in a respiratory therapy system. The carbon dioxide sensor determines whether a patient interface is fluidly coupled to a patient.

Abstract: Improved respirator fit-test methods and apparatus featuring an automated, respirator wearer-controlled, air-leak measurement system. For fit testing of a respirator positioned on a test subject's face and connected to a controlled negative pressure testing apparatus, the test subject simply holds his breath and then activates a switch in electrical connection with said apparatus, which results in the automatic closure of the breathing port on the respirator and the initiation of a complete fit-testing protocol. The fit-testing apparatus includes a single, self-contained, automated unit that includes a vacuum source, an air-flow measuring device, and an air-pressure transducer for connection to a respirator being tested. By measuring the rate of air exhausted from the respirator in order to maintain a constant challenge pressure, an air leakage rate is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining proper endotreachal placement is disclosed. The apparatus includes an audio receiver having a body, a microphone mount in a center thereof the body and an audio cavity, an audio processing unit; and a signal cable connected at a first end to the microphone and at a second end, where the receiver is adapted to be positioned in a suprasternal notch of a patient and the acoustic signal detected after inflation of a balloon associated with an endotracheal tube. The method uses the apparatus to detect and analyze an audio signal. The audio signal is then used to confirm endotracheal tube placement.

Abstract: An alarm system and method for use with a breathing apparatus that provides a source of breathable air to a user/diver. A tactile signal is generated in response to a signal representing at least one parameter corresponding to the breathing apparatus status, and the tactile signal can be both felt and heard by the user. The tactile signal may be generated in combination with a visual and/or an additional audible alarm. The tactile signal may be a vibration. The alarm may be worn on the face, either on the mask or on the mouthpiece. The vibrator serves two functions, one as a tactile alarm that the diver can feel during operation, and a second as an auditory alarm through bone-conduction of sound. The tactile alarm indicates to the user/diver that his particular unit is the one transmitting an alarm signal, and cannot be mistaken for any other device.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for adjusting nitrogen and oxygen concentrations within regions of an aircraft. The method includes separating nitrogen from ambient air onboard an aircraft thereby establishing a high-concentration nitrogen supply and then dispensing high-concentration nitrogen from the supply to a fire-susceptible, non-habitable region of the aircraft where the high-concentration nitrogen is reservoired thereby decreasing the capability for the atmosphere therein to support combustion. Oxygen is also separated from the ambient air thereby establishing a high-concentration oxygen supply that is dispensed to an occupant cabin of the aircraft thereby increasing the level of oxygen concentration within the cabin to a level greater than the naturally occurring concentration of oxygen at the experienced internal cabin pressure.

Abstract: A method of detecting disconnect of a patient circuit of a ventilation system, wherein a circuit disconnect is detected with a first sensitivity and a second sensitivity. The circuit disconnect detected with the first sensitivity is performed by detecting a volume loss for a minimum period of time, detecting a peak pressure loss for at least two consecutive breathing cycles or a minimum period of time, and detecting a pressure loss continuing for a predetermined period of time. The circuit disconnect detected with the second sensitivity is performed by detecting a volume loss for a single breathing cycle, detecting a pressure loss for a single breathing cycle, and detecting an increase of compliance. The first sensitivity is lower than the second sensitivity. Preferably, an alarm is activated when the circuit disconnect is detected with the first sensitivity, and subsystems of the ventilation system is informed of the circuit disconnect that has been detected with the second sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering a substance, in particular one of a liquid, as a suspension or solution, or a powder containing a medicament, especially systemic or topical pharmaceuticals, or a vaccine to the nasal airway of a subject.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and apparatus for indicating battery cell status on a battery pack assembly used during mechanical ventilation. Embodiments described herein seek to provide methods for indicating battery cell status on the exposed exterior of a battery assembly pack both when the battery is in use and when the battery is not in use during mechanical ventilation. Embodiments utilize power from the ventilator as well as power from the battery pack itself to light the indicators during periods of battery use and non-use, respectively. Embodiments described herein further seek to provide an apparatus indicating battery cell status on the exposed exterior of the battery pack assembly during mechanical ventilation. Embodiments described herein further seek to provide an apparatus for a battery pack assembly used during mechanical ventilation. Embodiments described herein seek to provide a system for a ventilation system with an inserted battery pack assembly.

Abstract: An improved ventilator which delivers ventilatory support that is synchronized with the phase of the patients respiratory efforts and guarantees a targeted minimum ventilation. Improved synchronization is achieved through an instantaneous respiratory phase determination process based upon measured respiratory airflow as well as measured respiratory effort using an effort sensor accessory, preferably a suprasternal notch sensor. The ventilator processes a respiratory airflow signal, a respiratory effort signal and their respective rates of change to determine a phase using standard fuzzy logic methods. A calculated pressure amplitude is adjusted based upon the calculated phase and a smooth pressure waveform template to deliver synchronized ventilation.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and systems for managing a medical gas system by using wireless sensors located at the point of use. In one embodiment, a wireless sensor is fixed to a gas outlet, and is configured to measure gas flow, and to detect whether the gas outlet is connected to a medical device. The gas flow and connection data is included in a wireless signal that is transmitted to a remote server. The data received by the server may be analyzed to determine if any local or system leaks are occurring. In addition, the data may be used to monitor patient therapies, to calculate costs, and to determine replenishment points.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and systems for managing a medical gas system by using wireless sensors located at the point of use. In one embodiment, a wireless sensor is fixed to a gas outlet, and is configured to measure gas flow, and to detect whether the gas outlet is connected to a medical device. The gas flow and connection data is included in a wireless signal that is transmitted to a remote server. The data received by the server may be analyzed to determine if any local or system leaks are occurring. In addition, the data may be used to monitor patient therapies, to calculate costs, and to determine replenishment points.

Abstract: In an apparatus for collection of waste anesthetic gases, and a method of using such an apparatus, the apparatus has a gas collection chamber with an input port to be connected to an exhaust of an anesthesia delivery system for receiving a first gas flow therefrom that contains a waste anesthetic gas component. An output port from the gas collection chamber is connected to a vacuum system for evacuation of an evacuation gas flow from the gas collection chamber. A bidirectional port leads to and from the gas collection chamber, which has an adsorbing unit connecting the gas collection chamber with an ambient environment surrounding the gas collection chamber. The apparatus provides for safe prevention of discharge of exhaled anesthetic gases into an ambient atmosphere surrounding the apparatus.

Abstract: A medicine discharge device configured to discharge medicine to be administered to a user, includes a mount portion configured to mount a medicine discharge cartridge, the medicine discharge cartridge having at least a medicine reservoir and a medicine discharge portion and being removable from the device; and a receiving circuit configured to receive an output signal sent from a sensor, the sensor being provided at the cartridge mounted at the mount portion and detecting an inhalation state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medicament-containing dispenser, such as an inhaler. The dispenser comprises an outlet for dispensing medicament, e.g. a mouthpiece or a nasal adaptor. The dispenser also comprises a display for presenting indicia to a user. The dispenser further comprises an outlet cover movable between a first position in which it covers the outlet and a second position in which the outlet is uncovered, wherein, when said outlet cover is in said first position, indicia is visible said display, and wherein, when said outlet cover is in said second position, indicia is out of sight to the user.

Abstract: A PAP system for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a supply of breathable gas to be delivered to the patient; a humidifier including a heating plate to vaporize water and deliver water vapor to humidify the supply of breathable gas; a heated tube configured to heat and deliver the humidified supply of breathable gas to the patient; a power supply configured to supply power to the heating plate and the heated tube; and a controller configured to control the power supply to prevent overheating of the heating plate and the heated tube.

Abstract: A respiratory mechanics measuring module includes a flow sensor, a differential-pressure sensor and a sampled-signal processing circuit which are connected in series. The module further includes a flow sensor reverse connection judging module and an alarm. The flow sensor reverse connection judging module judges the reverse connection of the flow sensor. The alarm gives an alarm signal indicating the flow sensor reverse connection to the main controller when the flow sensor reverse connection judging module judges that the flow sensor is reversedly connected.

Abstract: A method for determining a service life for a filter includes measuring exposure data and calculating a service life estimate based on the exposure data. The service life estimate is representative of an estimated exposure time that the filter is exposed to ambient conditions represented by the exposure data before the contaminant passes through the filter at a breakthrough concentration. The method also includes obtaining environmental data and establishing a predicted service life based on the environmental data. The predicted service life is representative of a predicted exposure time that the filter is exposed to the ambient conditions represented by the environmental data before the contaminant passes through the filter at the breakthrough concentration. The method further includes determining the service life for the filter based on a comparison of the estimated and predicted service lives.

Abstract: A filter cartridge 12 that includes a sorbent filter material 42, an end-of-service-life (ESLI) indicator 40, a housing, and a housing cover 24. The housing 22 has a sidewall 26 that has a window pane that allows the ESLI 40 to be viewed through it. The cover 24 is secured to a first perimeter 28 of the housing sidewall 26 and has an air throughput surface 32 and an opaque extension 36. The opaque extension 36 is positioned on the cover 24 such that the extension is juxtapositioned against an outer surface of the housing sidewall 26. The cover extension 36 also has a window pane located in it so that the ESLI 40 may be viewed through it too. The provision of an opaque extension 36 on the cover 24 and a window 38 in the extension 36 allows the ESLI 40 to be appropriately masked such that the sensor registration position is consistently achieved during manufacture of the filter cartridge 12.

Abstract: A filter cartridge 12 that includes a filter material 42, an end-of-service-life-indicator (ESLI) 40, a housing 22, a cover 24, and a window 38. The filter material 42 has first and second major surfaces 45, 47 and is disposed in the housing such that the second major surface 47 of the filter material is located downstream to the first major surface 45. The housing has a sidewall 26 through which the ESLI 40 can be seen. The cover 24 is secured to the housing 22 and has an opaque extension 36 that masks at least a portion of the housing sidewall 26. The window 38 is positioned on the extension 36 at a registration position where the ESLI 40 can be seen through the window 38 such that a change in a certain color of the ESLI 40 indicates that the cartridge 12 needs to be replaced. The use of the cartridge cover to provide the ESLI registration position allows the filter cartridges to be mass assembled without risk of error in achieving proper window registration.

Abstract: A filter cartridge 12 that includes a filter material 42, an end-of-service-life-indicator 40, a cartridge housing 22, and a window 38. The filter material 42 and ESLI 40 are disposed in the housing, and the ESLI 40 may be viewed through the window 38. The window 38 is configured such that the ESLI 40 can only be seen within a cone defined by an angle ? of 20 to 70 degrees. The limited viewing range precludes reader error when examining the ESLI for color change.

Abstract: A respiratory circuit apparatus and circuit are provided. The circuit includes: an adapter having a plurality of connectors of two or more different internal or outer diameters; and a pressure release valve configured to emanate sound if a pressure of a gas received at the pressure release valve is greater than or equal to an activation pressure of the pressure release valve. The pressure release valve can have a first end of a body portion coupled with one of the plurality of connectors of the adapter. The pressure release valve can be coupled inline in the respiratory circuit via the adapter and in close proximity to a patient location.

Abstract: A method of making a pharmaceutically active ingredient abuse-prevention device includes providing a pharmaceutically active ingredient and providing an antagonist of the pharmaceutically active ingredient. The antagonist is in selective fluid communication with the pharmaceutically active ingredient. Electronic circuitry is configured to selectively operate the fluid communication between the antagonist and the pharmaceutically active ingredient so as to mix the pharmaceutically active ingredient with the antagonist upon recognition of one or more predetermined fault conditions. Mixing the pharmaceutically active ingredient with the antagonist renders the pharmaceutically active ingredient substantially ineffective.