Abstract: An apparatus and system for transferring a liquid, such as an anesthetic, from a reservoir to a machine while effectively minimizing the release of the liquid to the surrounding environment. The apparatus can include a first and a second component wherein twisting the first component and second component relative to each other causes a protrusion to seal or unseal a through-hole thereby allowing or preventing the flow of fluid and wherein a portion of an exterior surface of the second component that mates with a vaporizer has a polygonal shape with three or more flat sides.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for inducing or maintaining a target end tidal concentration of a gas in a subject comprising a breathing circuit, a source of gas flow into the circuit, means for controlling the rate of the source of gas flow into the circuit and means for controlling the concentration of gases in the source gas flow independently from each other. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of preparing an apparatus for inducing or maintaining a target end tidal concentration of a gas X in a subject comprising selecting a rate of a source gas flow into a breathing circuit, selecting the concentration of at least one constituent gas of a component gas making up the source gas to a level corresponding to the end tidal concentration of the gas X, whereby the apparatus is adapted to administer a source gas having a first gas composition.

Abstract: A device for passive pressure relief and for reducing the volume flow for an electromechanically driven medical gas delivery means (50) in a medical device for respirating a patient (60) with a pressure relief unit (1) with a first and second gas port (2, 3), with a relief valve (4), with a pressure relief outlet (8) with an equalization space (9) and with a nonreturn valve (11) and a valve disk (5), which is arranged in the relief valve (4) and is maintained in a position relative to a valve seat (7) via a bellows (60). The surfaces (51, 52) facing the first and second gas ports (2, 3) have different areas, so that the relief valve (4) opens as soon as an operating pressure (23) at the first gas port (2) exceeds a prevailing (stored) pressure level (24) in the equalization space (9).

Abstract: An apparatus for the supply of humidified gases to a patient is disclosed that comprises a gases supply passage downstream of a humidified gases supply, and upstream of a patient in use, where at least one sensor is embedded in or located on the outside of the wall of the passage. In preferred forms the wall of the passage divides the sensor(s) from a flow of gases in the passage. In use, a controller receives an output of the sensor(s) and derives from the output of the sensor(s) an estimation of a property of gases flowing through the passage or provides a control output to the humidified gases supply according to the output of the sensor(s).

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein such apparatus comprises an indicator to inform a user of the apparatus when the flow of breathing gas rises above or falls below a predetermined level or range. Also described is a method of monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein the flow of breathing gas is measured and displayed. In some embodiments, an alert is provided when the flow of breathing gas rises above or falls below a predetermined level or range.

Abstract: An breathing or anesthesia apparatus and a process for operating a breathing or anesthesia apparatus are provided in which only a very low energy consumption occurs outside of the operating times. The breathing or anesthesia apparatus (1) is put into an energy-saving mode and a function pretest is performed before putting the apparatus into the energy-saving mode. A function self-test is carried out when the breathing or anesthesia apparatus is put into a standby mode.

Abstract: A respiration moistener (1) has an inlet (3), into which incoming gas (2) to be moistened can be fed. Vapor (21) is mixed with the incoming gas (2) in a mixing chamber (4). Moistened outgoing gas (5) flows out of an outlet (6). In cases in which the temperature of the incoming gas (2) becomes so high that the temperature of the outgoing gas (5) is above a desired value, the internal desired value is adjusted. The outgoing gas (5) can then cool to the desired value on its way through the inspiration tube (7).

Abstract: A device and method for administering at least one medical gas (NO) to a patient anesthetized and mechanically ventilated by means of an anesthesia machine. The anesthesia machine produces a respiratory gas flow (O2/N2) in a feed line. Gas pulses of the medical gas (NO) are supplied to said respiratory gas flow. The gas pulses are produced and fed into a patient feed line by means of at least two regulating means arranged in parallel. Firstly, the temporal start of at least one future inhalation phase of the patient is determined. Subsequently, the regulating means are controlled by means of a control unit such that a gas pulse is fed into the patient feed line at the determined start of the future inhalation phase.

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 device and method for administering at least one medical gas (NO) to a patient mechanically ventilated by means of a ventilator. The ventilator produces a respiratory gas flow (O2/N2) in a feed line. Gas pulses of the medical gas (NO) are supplied to said respiratory gas flow. The gas pulses are produced and fed into a patient feed line by means of at least two regulating means arranged in parallel. Firstly, the temporal start of at least one future inhalation phase of the patient is determined. Subsequently, the regulating means are controlled by means of a control unit such that a gas pulse is fed into the patient feed line at the determined start of the future inhalation phase. To achieve that the therapy gas is fed into without delay in case of very short inhalation times either nitrogen (N2) or helium (He) is used as carrier gas for the active substance (NO).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a rebreather, wherein oxygen is metered to the breathing gas as a function of a signal of at least one oxygen sensor (11). The oxygen sensor (11) is checked automatically by rinsing it with a gas having a known oxygen concentration. The safety of the system is improved in that the check is triggered automatically.

Abstract: A device and method for administering at least one medical gas (NO) to a patient mechanically ventilated by means of a ventilator. The ventilator produces a constant respiratory gas flow (O2/N2) in a feed line. Gas pulses of the medical gas (NO) are supplied to said respiratory gas flow. The gas pulses are produced by means of at least two regulating means arranged in parallel and are fed to the line. Here, a control unit controls the regulating means depending on at least one parameter of the respiration of the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new technology that enables administration of Cannabis to patients for medical purposes. In one embodiment, this invention is a component of a system of technologies, processes and concepts that creates a new method of producing, delivering, administering and regulating the use of medical cannabis.

Abstract: A device and method for administering at least one medical gas (NO) to a patient mechanically ventilated by means of a ventilator. The ventilator produces a constant respiratory gas flow (O2/N2) in a feed line. Gas pulses of the medical gas (NO) are supplied to said respiratory gas flow. The gas pulses are produced by means of at least two regulating means arranged in parallel and are fed to the line. Here, a control unit controls the regulating means such that the gas pulses introduced into the feed line show a pulse repetition with constant pulse frequency.

Abstract: A user inhales medicine ejected from the medicine ejecting section of an inhaler into the air flow duct of an air flow duct forming member through a hole. As the air flow duct forming member is taken off from the inhaler body, the medicine ejecting section is covered by a cap for protection. As the air flow duct forming member is fitted to the inhaler body, the cap is opened and a sensor recognizes the open state of the cap so that the air flow duct forming member is prohibited from being fitted to and taken off from the inhaler body by a claw that is secured to the air flow duct forming member. In this way, the medicine ejecting section is prevented from being damaged when the air flow duct is fitted to and taken away from the inhaler.

Abstract: A system for providing humidification to gas to be provided to a patient to support breathing including: a humidification component configured for adding water vapor to the gas; and a humidification component controller coupled with the humidification component and configured for receiving humidification target value information, the humidification component controller including: a humidification target value determiner configured for determining, based on received humidification target value information, a humidification target value of at least two possible humidification target values, the humidification target value identifying a humidification level setting corresponding to the patient.

Abstract: A humidifier and humidity sensor is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor preferably includes means to sense absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold is disclosed to facilitate easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit is described which provides a more effective temperature profile along its length.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for administering nitrous oxide. The system includes a fluid control system for controlling the flow of nitrous oxide and oxygen to the patient. A nitrous oxide and oxygen supply, vacuum source, a breather bag, and a nasal delivery interface system are fluidly connected to the fluid control system and a patient. The fluid control system also includes a safety scavenge system including a mass airflow sensor, master controller, nitrous oxide valve, and alarm. The mass airflow sensor reads the scavenging vacuum pressure which it communicates to the master controller. Depending upon the scavenging vacuum pressure, the master controller can activate an alarm or shut off the flow of nitrous oxide. In operation, the present invention provides a system for administering anesthesia/analgesia gas which prevents excessively high volumes of exhaled nitrous oxide in the operatory environment through monitoring of the scavenge vacuum pressure.

Abstract: A gas blender with auxiliary mixed gas outlet for mixing a primary gas, generally air, and a secondary gas, generally oxygen, to obtain a mixed gas having several controlled characteristics. The gas blender may be incorporated into a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device. The gas blender controls the mixing to produce the mixed gas having a predetermined mixture setpoint, generally an oxygen percentage, and a predetermined control setpoint, generally a pressure setpoint or flow rate setpoint. The gas blender provides an auxiliary mixed gas source for use by an auxiliary piece of equipment such as a nebulizer or resuscitation bag. The gas blender includes a primary gas inlet passageway, a secondary gas inlet passageway, a gas mixing apparatus, a mixed gas distribution passageway with an auxiliary mixed gas outlet, a gas sensor, a delivery sensor, a mixed gas delivery control valve, a mixed gas controlled passageway, and a controller.

Abstract: An anesthetic vaporizer and a method of control thereof includes measuring a composition of the carrier gas with a first sensor and measuring a composition of a combined gas with a second sensor, and using these values with a controller to operate a flow valve for the regulation of the flow of an anesthetic agent into the combined gas.

Abstract: A method for determining a characteristic such as partial pressure or percentage of a gaseous constituent in a first gas mixture flow (32) in a flow chamber (30) where flows alternatively said first gas mixture flow (32) and a second gas mixture flow (34) comprising the following steps: a) introducing the first gas mixture flow (32) into a sensing chamber (40) when the first gas mixture flow (32) flows in the flow chamber (30), b) preventing introduction of gas from the flow chamber (30) into the sensing chamber (40) at least when the second gas mixture flow (34) flows in the flow chamber (30), c) sensing said characteristic of the first gas mixture flow (32) in the sensing chamber (40).

Abstract: An anesthetic vaporizer system is disclosed herein. The anesthetic vaporizer system may include a sump adapted to retain an anesthetic agent. The anesthetic vaporizer system may also include a level sensor disposed at least partially within the sump. The level sensor is configured to generate an optical beam, and to estimate the amount of anesthetic agent within the sump based on a measured characteristic of the optical beam.

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 breathing apparatus has a first delivery device for adding a volume of a substance to a gas flow, the delivery device having a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A unit monitors a presence of the substance in a gas downstream the delivery device using a first sensor unit at the gas outlet that provides a first measurement value based on an acoustic property of a gas in a first conduit. A second sensor unit at the gas inlet provides a second measurement value based on an acoustic property of a gas present in the second conduit. A control unit determines the presence of the substance based on the first measurement value or based on a comparison of the first measurement value and the second measurement value.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new technology that enables administration of Cannabis to patients for medical purposes. In one embodiment, this invention is a component of a system of technologies, processes and concepts that creates a new method of producing, delivering, administering and regulating the use of medical cannabis.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided for mucous membrane therapy. The method includes receiving at least one body signal from a patient; detecting a condition of the patient based on the body signal; and administering the therapy to at least one of a mucous membrane or a serous membrane of the patient. A medical device system configured to implement the method is provided. A computer-readable storage device for storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for managing health of ruminants or other animals. The method includes providing a feed dispenser for feeding ruminants nutrient supplements, and the feed dispenser includes a gas analyzer where a ruminant places its head. The method includes determining a particular ruminant has accessed the feed dispenser such as by reading an identifier from an RFID ear tag and operating the feed dispenser to provide a ration of methane-controlling nutrient supplement. The method may include using the identifier to determine that the animal should be vaccinated such as based on their age and no record of prior vaccination. The method includes dispensing a dose of a nasal vaccine into the feed dispenser near the animal's nostrils. The method may include discharging a diagnostic agent such as propane or carbon monoxide and processing data collected to diagnose the animal as having a disease or condition such as a lung-related sickness.

Abstract: A device for use with an anesthesia machine for automatically identifying patient information, the device comprising an identification card configured to store patient information and to be associated with a patient, a transmitting module configured to transmit the patient information to the identification card, and an identifying module in communicative connection with a control unit of the anesthesia machine, the identifying module being configured to identify the identification card and to provide the patient information stored in the identification card to the anesthesia machine.

Abstract: A device for controlling respiration during sleep, the device comprising: an odor disperser adapted to disperse an odor; at lease one detector adapted to detect a physiological characteristic of a user; a controller configured for controlling respiration of the user by instructing the odor dispenser to disperse an odor responsive to detections by the at least one detector.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for delivering pharmaceutical gas to a patient. The methods and systems utilize a high flow valve and a low flow valve in parallel flow paths. The pharmaceutical gas may be provided as a pulse during the first half of the patient's inspiratory cycle.

Abstract: A gas delivery system including a gas delivery device, a control module and a gas delivery mechanism is described. An exemplary gas delivery device includes a valve assembly with a valve and circuit including a memory, a processor and a transceiver in communication with the memory. The memory may include gas data such as gas identification, gas expiration and gas concentration. The transceiver on the circuit of the valve assembly may send wireless optical line-of-sight signals to communicate the gas data to a control module. Exemplary gas delivery mechanisms include a ventilator and a breathing circuit. Methods of administering gas are also described.

Abstract: The present application includes an independent and redundant measurement of anesthetic concentration, based on acoustic time-of-flight measurements, added to an anesthetic vaporizer. The redundant anesthetic concentration measurement is used to make the vaporizer inherently safe by design and monitor true vaporizer empty. Further, using an acoustic wave splitting technique and the time-of-flight measurements, the flows at the vaporizer inlet and outlet are computed. The flow measurements are used to monitor carrier gas loss, anesthetic consumption, and anesthetic delivery time remaining and provide such information to the vaporizer operator.

Abstract: An analyte sensor and systems for determining analyte levels in a user's body. The analyte sensor and systems are adapted to be used with single dose medication devices and include a communication system to transmit the communications from the analyte sensor to the user to notify the user of an estimated amount of fluid to deliver to the user's body. More particularly, these apparatuses and methods for use are for providing convenient monitoring of blood glucose levels in determining the appropriate amount of insulin to deliver.

Abstract: An aerosol drug delivery apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a reservoir constructed to contain a predetermined dose of a liquid drug, an aerosol generator in communication with the reservoir, and a power source arranged to deliver power to the aerosol generator in order to produce an aerosolized form of the dose that can be administered to a patient. The apparatus may maintain consistent aerosol drug delivery treatments, for example, by way of a breath measuring mechanism that monitors the patient's breathing pattern during the administration of the dose and a controller configured to vary the power level at which the power source during the administration of the dose based on the monitored breathing pattern.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing the underlying anatomical cause that gives rise to a predisposition to SIDS are provided. Methods and systems are provided for the diagnosis of infants predisposed to SIDS. Methods and systems are provided for the therapeutic treatment of infants predisposed to SIDS. A treatment device includes an auditory stimulation system, a monitoring system, a warming system and a response system that can respond to and alleviate crisis situations.

Abstract: A respiration humidifier having a base unit and a chamber constructed to hold liquid. A sensor is connected to the chamber and configured to sense a condition within the chamber. A radiation signal transmitter is carried by the chamber and associated with the sensor. The transmitter wirelessly sends a radiation signal indicative of the sensed condition. The humidifier includes a radiation signal receiver carried by the base unit for receiving the signal. The humidifier includes a control unit that controls the condition based on the radiation signal received by the radiation signal receiver. Another aspect provides a breathing system using the humidifier. The breathing system includes a gas flow generator that generates a flow of gas to a user circuit coupled to the gas flow generator and adapted to communicate the flow of gas to a user.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for pressurized medical liquids has a primary reservoir that pressurizes a medical liquid therein to a driving pressure, a second reservoir having an inlet connected to receive pressurized liquid from the primary reservoir via a controllable intermediate valve, and an outlet for discharge of the received medical liquid via a controllable dosing valve. A pressure measuring unit measures the pressure in the secondary reservoir and a control unit controls the intermediate valve and the dosing valve by monitoring the operation of the intermediate valve and the dosing valve dependent on the measured pressure value from the pressure measuring unit. The control unit generates a status signal dependent on predetermined rules for measured pressure changes compared with calculated pressure changes.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system, which includes a gas bottle having nitrogen dioxide in air, converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide and employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid. A nitric oxide delivery system may be used to generate therapeutic gas including nitric oxide for use in delivering the therapeutic gas to a mammal.

Abstract: A method and device that can vary the dose of a gaseous drug provided to a patient based on a comparison of the normal resting breath rate for each individual patient and the current breath rate of the patient so that the patient does not become desaturated.

Abstract: A method of regulating a temperature within a vaporizer heating assembly includes providing a vaporizer heating assembly that includes a vapor inhalation device shaped to contain a vapor and deliver the vapor to a user's mouth without expelling the vapor into the atmosphere, an airflow chamber mechanically coupled to the vapor inhalation device, a heating chamber disposed within the airflow chamber, a fan in fluid communication with an air passageway defined by an interior surface of the airflow chamber and an exterior surface of the heating chamber, a temperature probe disposed proximate, but not in direct physical contact with the airflow chamber, and a temperature controller thermally coupled to the temperature probe and communicatively coupled to the heating chamber, the temperature controller operable to control a temperature output of the heating chamber in response to temperature information received from the temperature probe.

Abstract: A method for operating an anesthesia/ventilation apparatus (11) avoids cardiogenic triggering of a triggered ventilation stroke. An apparatus (11) for carrying out the method of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring and controlling flows in medical equipment including an anesthetic machine and a ventilator for influencing a patient's respiratory system are disclosed. The apparatus includes a microprocessor and an airway system including drive gas conduits provided with an inhalation valve (2) and an exhalation valve (5) for gas discharging as well as a ventilator end flow sensor (3) for measuring the introduced or discharged drive gas flow through the valves. The airway system also includes patient end breathing tubing in which a patient end flow sensor (11) for measuring the patient's inspired and expired gas flow is provided. By comparing the measured values of the two flow sensors against the characteristic curve of the inhalation valve (2), the microprocessor can judge the operation states and accuracy of the respective flow sensors and the inhalation valve (2).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for humidifying ventilation gas. Systems and methods may include a nasal interface apparatus for receiving ventilation gas from gas delivery tubing and for humidifying ventilation gas. The nasal interface apparatus may have one or more channels within the nasal interface to deliver gas from a gas delivery circuit to a patient's nose; one or more structures in fluid communication with the one or more channels to direct ventilation gas to the patient's nose; and a hygroscopic material within the nasal interface in the flow path of the ventilation gas.

Abstract: The present invention monitors and interprets physiological signals and spontaneous breathing events to detect the onset of arousal. Once the onset of arousal is determined, the present invention determines adjustments that are needed in the operation of a therapeutic device to avoid or minimize arousals. In one embodiment, the present invention includes one or more sensors which detect a patient's physiological parameters, a controller which monitors and determines the onset of arousal based on the physiological variables received from the sensor, and a therapeutic treatment device which is controlled by the controller. The sensor can be a combination of one or more devices which are able to monitor a physiological parameter that is used by the present invention to determine the onset of arousal or the onset of a sleep disorder. The sensors can be integrated into one unit or may operate independent of the others.

Abstract: An anesthetic breathing apparatus and system, having a patient circle system for re-breathing exhaled gases by a patient volume reflector, a fresh gas delivery line, and a gas sensor unit arranged to measure a gas stream upstream a fresh gas connection and downstream said reflector unit. The gas sensor unit provides a signal for detection of a reflector driving gas (RDG) crossing over the volume reflector during inspiration based on at least one property of the gas stream measured by the gas sensor unit. Appropriate action may be taken based on this measurement, for instance in disclosed methods.

Abstract: A powder medicine administering device includes a main body, an air supply section, and a movable member slidably attached to the main body, and arranged to be moved relative to the main body from a first position through a second position to a third position. One of the main body and the movable member includes a side wall portion defining a medicine storage chamber including an opening closed by a sliding surface of the other of the main body and the movable member at the second position of the movable member, and a medicine discharge passage. The other of the main body and the movable member is formed with a medicine carrying chamber connected with the opening of the medicine storage chamber at the first position of the movable member, and connected with the medicine discharge passage at the third position of the movable member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for providing an aerosol flow, an air flow or both with at least a compressor for providing an air flow, a nebulization device for generating an aerosol flow and a mixing means for optionally mixing the aerosol flow with the air flow to provide a total flow, wherein the total flow is composed of the aerosol flow, the air flow or both. Further, the device comprises at least a first air channel between the compressor and the nebulization device, at least a second air channel between the compressor and the mixing means and an amplification means for increasing the air flow provided by the compressor.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system, which includes a gas bottle having nitrogen dioxide in air, converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide and employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid. A nitric oxide delivery system may be used to generate therapeutic gas including nitric oxide for use in delivering the therapeutic gas to a mammal.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for providing integrated paced breathing and inhalation therapy to a patient. Paced breathing includes alternately providing a high and a low airway pressure to a respiratory system of the patient using a breathing circuit, wherein the high airway pressure coincides with inhalation by the patient and the low airway pressure coincides with exhalation by the patient. A therapeutic substance is delivered to the respiratory system of the patient during the provision of high airway pressure to the respiratory system of the patient, wherein delivery of the compound to the respiratory system of the patient is discontinued during provision of low airway pressure to the respiratory system of the patient.

Abstract: Described are dry powder inhalers composing an intake section, a mixing section and a mouthpiece. The mixing section can accommodate a capsule having a top keying portion and containing a dry powder medicament. The top keying portion of the capsules may fit within complementary keying structures in inhaler mixing sections.