Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method of determining a water out condition in a humidified gases supply apparatus. The method includes a two step process including a primary determination of a water out condition and a secondary determination of a water out condition. This primary determination is made during observation of the normal operation of the apparatus. During the secondary determination the method takes temporary control over the humidifying part of the apparatus. The secondary determination confirms or contradicts the primary determination.

Abstract: A simulator for testing a capacity of an infant to travel includes a car body, a back seat in the car body, a base of a car seat assembly secured to the back seat, an infant seat secured to the base, a plurality of sensors, a plurality of force applying actuators, and a control. One set of sensors in plurality of sensors may monitor parameters for a subject positioned in the infant including oxygen saturation, pulse, and respiratory rate. Another set of the plurality of sensors may monitor a position of the infant seat relative to the base and the subject relative to the infant seat. The control is configured to operate the plurality of force applying actuators to apply lateral, vertical, and linear forces to the back seat, the base, and the infant seat to simulate car travel relative to the subject.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating device includes a sound generator to produce sound. The sound may be described as “high fidelity.” The sound may emulate the sound of one or more conventional uses of different smoking materials, emulate a masking noise, or include information. The sound generated may be modulated based on a user's puff. A user interface may be provided to configure the aerosol-generating device, which may include selection of the smoking material to emulate. The aerosol-generating device may store a library of sounds to use with different types of aerosol-generating substrates. The sound may be retrieved from a plurality of sounds.

Abstract: A method of controlling heating in an aerosol-generating system including a heater is provided, the method including: a first control step in which a predetermined power is provided to the heater and a resistance of the heater is determined, the determined resistance being indicative of a temperature of the heater; monitoring for a predetermined condition, and upon detection of the predetermined condition, recording a resistance of the heater; determining a target resistance corresponding to a target temperature of the heater based on the recorded resistance; and a second control step in which the predetermined power provided to the heater is controllably adapted to drive the resistance of the heater towards the target resistance such that the heater is driven towards the target temperature corresponding to the target resistance. An aerosol-generating system and a controller for an aerosol-generating system are also provided.

Abstract: A respiratory system and method comprise a tracker module adaptable to be secured to a variety of inhalers, the tracker module sensing activation of the medication canister of the inhaler for delivery of medication to a user. The tracker module also senses the rate of inhalation air flow of the user when inhaling medication for determination of proper inhaler use. Upstream and downstream sensors provide flow information to determine quality of the inhalation. Other sensors are provided that monitor user presence at the inhaler, user technique in using the inhaler, and the attitude of the inhaler when it was used. Low power devices are used to conserve battery power.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a system and method of intelligent control is provided that is based on machine learning, to modulate end-tidal concentration levels through continuous adjustments in the volume and concentration of a flow of incoming respiratory gases. The system and the method are able to continually estimate and adjust new gas flows that are administered for a user to inhale in immediate future moments of inspiration, based on the concentration and pressure signals collected at the actual moment of breathing and at previous moments of breathing, without the need for reservoirs to store inspired or expired gases, or for aprioristic physiological models.

Abstract: An anesthetic dispensing device (100) includes a measuring unit (150) for determining an anesthetic concentration in an area of an outlet (142) of the anesthetic dispensing device. The measuring unit is configured to measure a first parameter (154) of a gas concentration-dependent characteristic between a mixer unit (140) and a second parameter (155) of the gas concentration-dependent characteristic in a second gas branch (120) or in an area of a breathing gas feed (112) of the anesthetic dispensing device by at least one sensor element (152). The measuring unit is further configured to determine the anesthetic concentration between the mixer unit and the outlet and to output a corresponding concentration signal (160) as a function of calibration information assigned to the second parameter and of the first parameter.

Abstract: There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a device and a method for controlled extraction of at least one active substance from at least one type of plant matter by application of heat, the device comprising: a heating element adapted to apply heat to an area of the plant matter to extract the substance; and a mechanism adapted for moving the plant matter relative to the heating element. Optionally, the active substance is a restricted substance. There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of monitoring and controlling inhalation of a restricted substance. There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing a tape of plant matter comprising an active substance.

Abstract: An air inhalation device for insertion within the nostrils, comprising: at least one hollow frusto-conical tube member having an air passageway; a fan; a motor; and a power source; wherein the said frusto-conical tube has a forward end which tapers to form a rearward end, and is fitted with a power driven fan for enhancing the inhalation and exhalation of air.

Abstract: A flavor inhaler includes a heating element that atomizes an aerosol source and a supply member that has a discharge port for supplying the aerosol source to the heating element. The heating element has a porous structure, and is disposed apart from the discharge port.

Abstract: Features relating to vaporizer devices configured to allow for user control of a vaporizer session are provided. Session size selection and temperature selection options allow for a user to select a desired session size and a desired temperature for the vaporizer session. A session control user interface is provided on a user device to allow for user selections and to provide for user viewing of a status of the vaporizer session.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for creating a wicking structure. In one example, a method for creating a wicking structure can include creating, using a 3D printing technique, a macro wicking element including a lattice structure formed by a grid of a first material, the lattice structure including pores formed between the grid of first material. The method can also include creating, using the 3D printing technique, a first micro wicking element including powder particles distributed within the pores of the lattice structure, and creating, using the 3D printing technique, a second micro wicking element by removing at least a portion of the lattice structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for humidifying a flow of pressurised, breathable air includes varying a first pressure of the flow of breathable gas to vary a level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion of the reservoir and the heater plate, varying a height of the variable portion varies a level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion of the reservoir and the heater plate, use of a humidifier reservoir base component with a maximum water capacity substantially equal to the predetermined maximum volume of water of the humidifier reservoir or the use of intersecting inlet and outlet axes.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of systems and devices operable to detect individual oxygen delivery events at a user body region which are associated with external oxygen boluses administered to a user. Such devices and system may be useful, for example, in assessing the efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or intubation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for delivering anesthetic agent to a patient. In one embodiment, an anesthetic vaporizer includes a sump configured to hold a liquid anesthetic agent; an ultrasonic transducer coupled to a bottom of the sump and at least partially disposed within the sump; a vaporizing chamber fluidically coupled to the sump; and a heating element coupled to the vaporizing chamber and configured to increase a temperature of a surface disposed within the vaporizing chamber.

Abstract: A system for delivery of gas to a tissue, comprises: a first container containing the gas, an applicator having a distal end arranged to deliver the gas to the tissue, a second container containing a purging gas, and; and a flow control system for controlling flow of gas. The system also comprises a three-port valve having a first port for receiving the gas from the first container, a second port for receiving the purging gas from the second container, and a third port in fluid communication with the applicator. The valve is switchable between a first state at which the first port fluidly connects to the third port, and a second state at which the second port fluidly connects to the third port.

Abstract: The invention discloses a battery assembly and an electronic cigarette using the battery assembly, wherein the battery assembly comprises a main body, a circuit board mounted in the main body and a button assembly, the main body is provided with an avoidance hole and at least one stopper, the button assembly comprises a button cap and a button contact, the button contact is fixedly mounted in the main body and is electrically connected with the circuit board, and the button cap is slidably mounted in the avoidance hole. When the button cap slides to squeeze the button contact, the button cap abuts against the stopper to form a trigger position where the button cap triggers the button contact to transmit a control signal to the circuit board.

Abstract: An onboard rebreathing loop system resident on an aircraft for providing oxygen to aircraft personnel includes a ceramic oxygen generating system (COGS) module configured to receive an inlet air and output a high purity oxygen (O2) gas into a breathing loop and a carbon dioxide (CO2) scrubber module configured to receive exhaled air from the aircraft personnel and output a CO2-scrubbed air into the breathing loop. The high purity O2 gas and CO2-scrubbed air are mixed to form a mixed gas having a partial pressure of O2 suitable for breathing by the aircraft personnel. The onboard rebreathing loop system may further include an odor removal module, an air temperature and/or humidity control module to condition the mixed gas before breathing by the aircraft personnel, and a gas sensor module to confirm the partial pressure of O2 within the mixed gas before breathing by the aircraft personnel.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for controlling the performance of a pneumatically sealed trocar, wherein the system includes a controller for delivering variable DC voltage to a DC motor, a DC motor operatively connected to the controller for driving a pump operatively connected to a pneumatically sealed trocar, a pump driven by the DC motor for circulating pressurized gas through the pneumatically sealed trocar, and a sensor for sensing pressure and flow parameters between the pump and the pneumatically sealed trocar to provide a feedback control signal to the controller so that the controller can vary the voltage delivered to the DC motor to affect the output pressure and flow of the pump during a laparoscopic surgical procedure.

Abstract: A device, for dispensing an anesthetic into a gas stream, has a gas inlet, via which gas to be enriched with anesthetic and coming from a gas source flows in and with a gas outlet, via which gas enriched with anesthetic flows out to a patient port. A heating element, for heating the gas stream, is arranged upstream of an evaporation chamber, for dispensing an anesthetic into the gas stream, between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The heating element is actuated by a control unit such that heat is fed to the gas to be enriched with anesthetic for evaporation of the anesthetic located in the evaporation chamber as a function of at least one status parameter of the gas to be enriched with the anesthetic and/or of the gas at least partially enriched with the anesthetic.

Abstract: A handheld, portable vaporizer apparatus is operable to vaporize oils, such as e-liquids, cannabis oils, or dry herbs, without heating the oils. The vaporizer apparatus includes a main housing having an oil chamber, an oil reservoir connected to the oil chamber, and an evacuation chamber connected to the oil reservoir formed therein; an operation unit; a manifold connected to the main housing; a pump; and a control unit connected to the operation unit and pump. When the operation unit is operated, the oil reservoir is isolated from the oil chamber and the bottom of the evacuation chamber is sealed thereby creating a vacuum sealed chamber having oil trapped therein and being connected with an inlet of the pump, and the control unit turns the pump on causing a pressure differential so that oil trapped in the vacuum sealed chamber vaporizes without heat and flows through the manifold and mouthpiece.

Abstract: With a nebulizer mesh selection method it is possible to achieve optimal treatment which fits a medicine and a patient. A nebulizer mesh selection method includes a step of acquiring a medicine attribute, by a computer, a step of acquiring a patient breathing ability, a step of selecting a mesh that corresponds to the acquired medicine attribute and patient breathing ability based on a mesh selection table in which a predetermined mesh corresponds to a combination of a medicine attribute and a patient breathing ability, and a step of outputting the selected mesh.

Abstract: Another method of mixing at least two gases is provided. This method includes providing a mixture composition control, comprising a predetermined composition input and a composition trim input. Providing N gas flow meters, wherein N is 3 or more. Configuring the N flow meters to adjust the N gas flows to maintain the line pressure at a predetermined value, while maintaining the predetermined composition. Adding the N measured gas flow, thereby determining the total gas flow at the first predetermined intervals of time. Adjusting the composition trim input to vary the composition of the mixed gas, without modifying the predetermined composition input. And sounding an alarm, and/or terminating both the N gas flows, if either of the following exceed a predetermined range value: the instantaneous calculated theoretical percentage for any of the N gas flows, or the cumulative calculated theoretical percentage for any of the N gas flows.

Abstract: A method of mixing at N gases is provided. This method includes providing N gas flow meters, including N gas flows, wherein N is 3 or more. Measuring each of the N gas flows, at first predetermined intervals of time, and totaling each of the measured N flows over a second predetermined interval of time. Adding the N measured gas flows, thereby determining the total gas flow at the second predetermined interval of time. Dividing the total gas flow for each of the N gas flows by the total gas flow, thereby determining a cumulative calculated theoretical percentage for each of the N gas flows over the second predetermined interval of time. And sounding an alarm, and/or terminating the N gas flows, if the cumulative calculated theoretical percentage for any of the N gas flows exceeds a predetermined range value.

Abstract: A method of mixing at least two gases is provided. This method includes providing a mixture composition control, including a predetermined composition input and a composition trim input. Providing N gas flow meters, including a N gas flows, and N desired gas flow rates determined by the mixture composition control, wherein N is 3 or more. Mixing the N gas flows, thereby producing a mixed gas flow at the predetermined composition and at a line pressure. Configuring the N flow meters to adjust the N gas flows to maintain the line pressure at a predetermined value, while maintaining the predetermined composition. And adjusting the composition trim input to vary the composition of the mixed gas, without modifying the predetermined composition input.

Abstract: According to an aspect there is provided a method of determining the health of a subject, the method comprising determining the absolute humidity and volume of air exhaled by the subject over time; and analysing the determined absolute humidity and volume of air exhaled by the subject to determine a characteristic of the air that was above the isothermic saturation boundary, ISB, of the subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods for nitric oxide generation are provided. In an embodiment, an NO generation system can include a controller and disposable cartridge that can provide nitric oxide to two different treatments simultaneously. The disposable cartridge has multiple purposes including preparing incoming gases for exposure to the NO generation process, scrubbing exhaust gases for unwanted materials, characterizing the patient inspiratory flow, and removing moisture from sample gases collected. Plasma generation can be done within the cartridge or within the controller. The system has the capability of calibrating NO and NO2 gas analysis sensors without the use of a calibration gas.

Abstract: An optical particle sensor device comprises an optical emitter device for emitting a multitude of measurement laser beams; a detector device for detecting the measurement laser beams scattered on particles in the vicinity of the optical particle sensor device and for generating a single measuring signal assigned to this for each measurement laser beam; and an evaluation device for determining at least one estimated particle value for the number of particles per volume using at least one single measurement signal, wherein the evaluation device determines at least two estimated particle values for the number of particles per volume, which are based on at least partially different single measurement signals and/or a different number of single measurement signals, and on the basis of at least part of the estimated particle values, determines at least one output value for the particle load.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an analyte monitoring device having a user interface with a display and a plurality of actuators. The display is configured to render a plurality of display screens, including a home screen and an alert screen. The home screen is divided into a plurality of simultaneously displayed panels, with a first panel displays a rate of change of continuously monitored analyte levels in interstitial fluid, a second panel simultaneously displays a current analyte level and an analyte trend indicator, and a third panel displays status information of a plurality of components of the device. When an alarm condition is detected, the display renders the alert screen in place of the home screen, the alert screen displaying information corresponding to the detected alarm condition. Furthermore, the actuators are configured to affect further output of the analyte monitoring device corresponding to the detected condition.

Abstract: A combination salt lamp and aroma/essential oil diffuser includes: a housing with an outlet for mist exiting the housing and an open space, a water tank inside the housing for storing liquid having a passageway that connects to the mist outlet and can disperse nebulized mist outwardly, a nebulizing assembly within the water tank to nebulize the liquid in the water tank, a salt crystal mineral that sits in the open space of the housing, a heating assembly with a heating element adjacent the salt crystal, a fan assembly inside the housing, and a power assembly for the nebulizing assembly, the heating assembly, and the fan assembly.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for estimating a quantitative measure of cerebrovascular reactivity (“CVR”) from data acquired using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (“fMRI”).

Abstract: An indoor air quality (IAQ) system for a building includes a relative humidity (RH) sensor. The RH sensor is configured to measure a RH of the air within the building. At least one of a thermostat and an IAQ control module is configured to control humidification of the building based on the RH measured by the RH sensor.

Abstract: A processing apparatus (6) for determining a respiration signal (34) of a subject (100) is presented. The processing apparatus (6) is configured to perform the steps of obtaining a movement signal (22) descriptive of a respiratory movement, determining a first quantity (24) descriptive of a rotation axis and/or rotation angle based on the obtained movement signal (22), and estimating a rotation axis (25) and/or rotation angle (26) based on the first quantity (24) and a rotation model, wherein the rotation model models the respiratory movement as a rotation around a single rotation axis. This model of the rotation can be further used as a feature for an instantaneous classifier descriptive of a movement artifact descriptive of a non-respiratory movement. Furthermore, a processing method, a respiration monitor (1, 91), a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium and a computer program are presented.

Abstract: A wick (12) includes a porous molding, which has a plurality of air ducts (26) extending in the vertical direction, a plurality of upper deflection chambers (28), which connect each a first air duct pair (29) of the plurality of air ducts (26) to one another, and a plurality of lower deflection chambers (30), which connect each a second air duct pair (31) of the plurality of air ducts (26) to one another. The two air ducts (26) of the second air duct pairs (31) are each associated with different first air duct pairs (29). An anesthetic evaporator (10) includes a housing (14, 16), which receives the wick (12), so that the vertical air ducts (26) and the upper and lower deflection chambers (28, 30) form an air flow duct between the air inlet (22) and the air outlet (24).

Abstract: An anesthetic dispensing device (1), to which a carrier gas stream is fed for enriching with anesthetic, has the gas stream split into two partial gas streams, one of which flows through a bypass channel (7) unchanged and the other of which is fed to an evaporation chamber (9), where the partial gas stream is saturated with anesthetic. In a mixing point (6), both partial gas streams are mixed to form an anesthetic gas stream, which leaves the anesthetic dispensing device through the anesthetic gas outlet (4). A control unit (2) is provided that is configured to generate a control signal for an electric motor drive (14) for adjusting the valve opening of the valve element (15) on the basis of a concentration of the anesthetic in the anesthetic gas needed at the anesthetic gas outlet (4) and at least one temperature-specific correction factor.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method of determining a water out condition in a humidified gases supply apparatus. The method includes a two step process including a primary determination of a water out condition and a secondary determination of a water out condition. This primary determination is made during observation of the normal operation of the apparatus. During the secondary determination the method takes temporary control over the humidifying part of the apparatus. The secondary determination confirms or contradicts the primary determination.

Abstract: A system and method detects and provides alerts when a subject's physiological measurements indicate a likelihood of the presence of drug cravings and a possible return to drug use. The system includes a wearable sensor which monitors movement in three dimensions, Electro Dermal Response (EDR), and temperature. Initially, training measurements are taken while subject is under supervision and not taking drugs, and algorithms process the measurements to determine thresholds. After release from supervision, the physiological measurements are monitored, processed, and compared to the thresholds. When the comparison indicates a presence of cravings for drugs, an alert is provided to the subject and/or to monitoring personnel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for producing a consistent and effective herbal vapor. A sealed container pod may include a chamber wall defining an internal volume within which a pre-processed herbal composition (e.g., cannabis) is located. The container pod may include filters for the vapor produced from the herbal composition. The container pod may also include a support member for holding and evenly distributing the herbal composition within the internal volume during vaporization. A vaporizer may be configured to obtain information regarding the contents of the herbal composition. The vaporizer may expose the herbal composition to an automated series of timed temperature adjustments specifically tailored for producing a desirable herbal vapor. The herbal vapor may be collected into a bag and/or canister for subsequent consumption.

Abstract: A system for controlling an amount of at least one gas X in a subject's lung to target at least one end tidal partial pressure of at least one gas X (PetXT) uses a control system for controlling the gas delivery device, wherein the control system implements a sequential gas delivery system and a feedback algorithm which compares a PetXT for a respective breath of variable size and preferably a respective current PetX value measured by a measurement system, to obtain an error signal, the feedback algorithm adapted for generating a control signal based on the error signal, the control signal determining the amount of gas X to be inspired by the subject in at least a first portion of a respective ensuing respective inspiratory cycle to target PetXT for the respective interval.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a pressure support system configured to adjust a pressurized flow of breathable gas delivered to a subject. The system is configured to simplify adjustments to humidity and/or temperature control and/or pressure support therapy that enhance the comfort level of the subject during therapy. The system is configured to generate output signals and/or determine various parameters related to the pressurized flow of breathable gas. The system is configured to receive feedback from the subject related to a comfort level of the subject during therapy and automatically adjust the pressurized flow of breathable gas and/or the predetermined therapy regime, provide feedback to the subject, and/or prompt the subject to make manual adjustments based on the output signals, the determined parameters, the feedback, and/or other information.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sequential aerosolized administration of pharmaceutical agents. A portable device may be used to administer an initial dose of an active formulation comprising at least one first pharmaceutical agent and a subsequent dose of an active formulation comprising at least one second pharmaceutical agent that may have the effect of countering, enhancing, or mitigating the first pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable inhalator device is disclosed. The device has a mouthpiece with a chamber operatively coupled to a medication inlet and a fluid outlet. A valve is disposed about the fluid outlet and is configured to open when subjected to a first threshold level of positive pressure permitting egress of fluid from the chamber. A trigger is configured to dispense medication from a medication source through the medication inlet and into the chamber after a second threshold level of positive pressure is achieved within the chamber of the mouthpiece and maintained for a threshold period of time.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of an inhaling device is provided, the inhaling device including a gas flow path through which gas can be drawn by the action of a user puff, a gas flow sensor within the gas flow path, and a memory, the method including recording gas flow measurements from the gas flow sensor; comparing the gas flow measurements with the user puff signature stored in the memory to provide a correlation score; and enabling or disabling further operation of the device based on a value of the correlation score. The method allows an inhaling device, such as an electrically operated smoking device or a medical inhaler, to authenticate a user of the device based on a detected puffing behavior.

Abstract: An inhaler element, to be inserted inside a nasal cavity for inhaling medicinal substances, includes, inside, a dispensing device providing a convergent conduct for inlet of respiration flow and a divergent conduct for exit of respiration flow, and a storage device for the substance to be inhaled that is in flow communication substantially in correspondence of the transition zone between the convergent conduct and the divergent conduct of the dispensing device.

Abstract: A solvent supply system for supplying a composite solvent is described. The solvent supply system comprises a first supply flow path with a first pump unit, the first supply flow path being adapted for supplying a flow of a first solvent to a mixing unit, the first pump unit operating periodically, and a second supply flow path with a second pump unit, the second supply flow path being adapted for supplying a flow of a second solvent to the mixing unit, the second pump unit operating periodically. The mixing unit is adapted for mixing the first and the second solvent and for supplying a composite solvent. The solvent supply system further comprises a control unit adapted for controlling operation of the first and the second pump unit, the control unit being adapted to prevent at least one of a predefined phase relation and a predefined frequency relation between the first pump unit and the second pump unit.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for preparing, managing, and/or administering metered doses of substances for vaporized administration. In some embodiments, dose cartridges comprising at least one botanical substance include a heating element integrated into the cartridge in close contact with the botanical substance. In some embodiments, cartridge-mounted doses are stored in a magazine, optionally in carousel form, before use. Transport of a cartridge from a magazine to an electrically operated vaporizing chamber which activates the heating element is provided by a mechanical pickup means.

Abstract: A control method for constant airflow controlled by a direct power-controlled PM motor, wherein the PM motor is installed in an HVAC system to drive the rotation of a fan wheel, and wherein the PM motor has a stator component, permanent magnet rotor components, and a motor controller. In some embodiments, the motor controller includes an operation parameters sensing circuit and a microprocessor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic smoking article that provides for improved aerosol delivery. Particularly, the article comprises one or more microheaters. In various embodiments, the microheaters provide for improved control of vaporization of an aerosol precursor composition and provide for reduced power requirements to achieve consistent aerosolization. The present disclosure further relates to methods of forming an aerosol in a smoking article.

Abstract: Systems and methods to estimate, on a breath-by-breath basis, the fraction of inhaled oxygen during ventilation of a subject. The fraction of inhaled oxygen may be based on exhaled tidal volume, a volume of dead space within the subject interface, leaked exhalation volume, and subsequently inhaled tidal volume and leaked inhalation volume.

Abstract: Introduced herein are techniques for producing sensory stimuli that increase the realism of content experienced by a user. Several embodiments pertain to scent delivery system that are able to dispense scented material(s) to the user. A scent delivery system could be a self-contained unit that is attachable to a head-mounted display (HMD) or could be integrated into the HMD itself. The scent delivery system can be used to improve the realism of content (e.g., visual content and audio content) presented to the user. More specifically, the scent delivery system can be configured to dispense one or more scented materials in response to determining a particular scene is being shown. Different scented materials can be dispensed based on characteristics of the content. In some embodiments, the scented material(s) are held in capsules that are housed within the scent delivery system. The capsules may be readily replaceable by the user.