Abstract: A gas flow indicator device has a housing defining a chamber. An annular indicator extends over the chamber enabling gas to enter along a bore and is spaced from an inner surface, defining an annular space. A moveable concealment member has an annular skirt receivable into the annular space so one end provides a seal against an annular surface at an end wall while a transverse wall at the other end defines an opening providing resistance to gas flow. The skirt can be held in sealing engagement at the annular surface to conceal the indicator through a window. Increasing gas flow rate overcomes the bias of a biasing member and moves the concealment member to expose the indicator and provide a visual indication of gas flow. A fitting member has an engagement portion operable to constrain the biasing member to preclude vibrations and/or prevent its full compression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressurized gas container, having an internal volume for storing gas under pressure comprising a valve for distributing fluid, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the gas and delivering at least one measurement signal, a microprocessor for processing the measurement signal delivered by the pressure sensor and a digital display. The microprocessor converts the measurement signal delivered by the pressure sensor into a measured pressure value, and compares the measured pressure value with at least one preset threshold-pressure value. The digital display displays at least one predefined term reflecting the amount of gas in the container, which is dependent on the comparison performed by the microprocessor.

Abstract: A respiratory gas analyzer device (10), such as a capnograph device, is disclosed. A gas measurement component (28), such as a carbon dioxide measurement component in the case of a capnograph, is configured to measure at least one respired gas component (e.g. carbon dioxide). A pump (20) is connected to draw respired gas through the gas measurement component. A pressure gauge (30) is connected to measure pressure in an airflow pathway including the gas measurement component and the pump. An electronic pump controller (40) is programmed to start the pump in response to pressure measured by the pressure gauge satisfying a pump turn on criterion.

Abstract: A respiratory system is configured to pressurize and deliver a flow of respiratory gas to a patient's airways. The respiratory system includes a cushion configured to sealingly engage the patient's face and a blower mounted to the cushion and configured to pressurize a flow of respiratory gas. An interface structure is attached to an outlet of the blower and an aperture in the cushion. The interface structure forms a gas flow path between the cushion and the blower. The gas flow path is configured to deliver the pressurized respiratory gas from the blower through the aperture in the cushion. The gas flow path is also configured to vent exhaled gas from the aperture in the cushion to atmosphere. The respiratory system also includes headgear configured to support the cushion and the blower on the patient's face.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for improving the Weight/Duration ratio of Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBAs) by decreasing the amount of fresh breathing gas required from the system by saving exhaled air that is low in carbon dioxide in a reservoir and reusing it at the subsequent inhalation. Electronic control units (“ECUs”) including conventional oxygen sensors and special types of carbon dioxide sensors are used to monitor and predictably regulate the consumption of breathing gas, further contributing to a significantly lower overall system weight for any given duration of the SCBA.

Abstract: An anesthesia ventilator, for the automated ventilation of a patient, includes an expiratory port and an inspiratory port for connecting a ventilation tube facing the patient for a breathing gas, a breathing gas delivery unit, at least one breathing gas sensor for detecting an anesthetic gas concentration, at least one pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the breathing gas, as well as at least one computer. The computer is configured to actuate the breathing gas delivery unit as a function of the detected pressure of a preset desired pressure value. The computer is further configured to perform an adaptation of the desired pressure value as a function of the detected anesthetic gas concentration.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and system for determining the partial pressure of at least one gas in a mixture of gasses contained in a pressure vessel, in particular a pressure vessel in the form of a life support pressure chamber/decompression chamber, or a diving gas storage cylinder. The method comprises the steps of: coupling a gas analysis sensor (14) to a pressure vessel (10); directing a portion of the mixture of gasses in the pressure vessel to the sensor for analysis; reducing the pressure of the portion of the mixture which is to be analysed by the sensor to a level which is below the pressure in the vessel but above local atmospheric pressure; operating the sensor to measure the partial pressure of the at least one gas at the reduced pressure level; and using the partial pressure of the at least one gas, measured at the reduced pressure level, to determine the actual partial pressure of said gas in the mixture contained in the vessel.

Abstract: A method for controlling the delivery of a breathing gas to a patient. The method comprises: delivering a flow of breathing gas to a patient, the breathing gas having a breathing gas flowrate and a fraction of inspired oxygen; measuring an oxygen saturation level of the patient; determining a respiratory rate of the patient; automatically adjusting the fraction of inspired oxygen of the breathing gas based on the measured oxygen saturation level of the patient and a breathing gas flowrate set-point; and automatically adjusting the breathing gas flowrate set-point based on the determined respiratory rate of the patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment of an aircraft emergency oxygen delivery system, power can be generated by the flow of gas over a transducer disposed inside an oxygen delivery tube. A pressure differential gives rise to a temperature difference across the transducer, and the temperature difference can be converted to a voltage. The voltage can be quadratically dependent upon the Mach number M (e.g. flow velocities from 1 to 140 m/s) and proportional to a Seebeck coefficient of the transducer. The power thus generated may be used to operate LED indicators visible from the exterior of the tube, a variety of sensors, and wireless communication with a central control system. Oxygen flow to a mask may be adjusted based on ambient oxygen content and data collected from a passenger wearing the mask, including a blood oxygen saturation level, pulse or respiration rate.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance system including a humidification apparatus used for delivery of heated and humidified gases to a patient includes a humidification chamber with an associated heater and sensor, an inspiratory conduit with an associated heater and sensor, and an unheated patient interface, such as a face mask. A controller of the humidification apparatus is configured to determine a gas source and change the set point accordingly to maintain patient comfort regardless of the humidity level of the gas source.

Abstract: A method for measuring a patient's expired CO2 level in a non-invasive ventilator system while maintaining a positive inspiratory pressure. The method includes the steps of: receiving, by the non-invasive ventilator system, a signal comprising an instruction to obtain a CO2 measurement from a patient; lowering, by the non-invasive ventilator system in response to the signal, the expiratory positive airway pressure from a first, higher level to a second, lower level for a first time period comprising one or more breaths; obtaining, by a CO2 sensor, a CO2 measurement during the first time period; and returning, after the first time period, the expiratory positive airway pressure to the first, higher level.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for controlling pressure and/or flow during exhalation. The disclosure describes novel exhalation modes for ventilating a patient.

Abstract: A differential pressure meter (1) whose body (7) includes an inlet opening (7a), an outlet opening (7z), a channel (70), and a housing (16) defining an operating seat (160) separate from the channel (70) and having first and second passage openings (16p, 16s). A sealing casing (2) in the operating seat (160) defining an inner volume (200). A sensitive element (3) is in the casing (2) to divide the inner volume (200) into first and second chambers (4, 5). A first surface (3d) of the sensitive element (3) directed towards the first chamber (4), a second surface (3s) directed towards the second chamber (5). A first pressure intake (4p) formed on the casing (2), the first passage opening (16p) in communication with the first chamber (4), and a second pressure intake is formed on the casing (2), the second passage opening (16s) in communication with the second chamber (5).

Abstract: A method for creating alarm signals based on time-series signal behavior determined from real-time discrete data obtained from a medical device. In one embodiment the method includes identifying patterns in preceding time-series measurement threshold breaches in clinical readings obtained from said medical device when associated with a particular patient, and initiating an alarm signal to a front-line clinician based on the preceding quantity of threshold breaches.

Abstract: Systems and methods of control of a mechanical ventilator include receiving machine data from a mechanical ventilator. A surgical event is detected in the received machine data. Clinical events within the surgical event are detected in the machine data. The machine data and the detected plurality of clinical events are evaluated for compliance with lung protective ventilation recommendations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the regulation of PEEP and FiO2 of a ventilator for achieving an arterial oxygen partial pressure in the blood of a mechanically ventilated patient. At reading which is representative of the success of the oxygen supply, i.e. the oxygen saturation of the blood is measured with the device, and assigned to one of three regions, which are defined by two characteristic lines. A first control loop is designed to optimise PEEP and FiO2 on assigning a reading to a region which demands a change of the settings, or to retaining the settings with an assignment to the normal region between the characteristic lines. This first control loop carries out such an optimisation at predefined temporal intervals on account of the representative reading (SaO2REP) and a predefined necessary supply intensity. The ventilator is subsequently activated accordingly.

Abstract: A blower filter system (10) includes a blower filter device (20) with a blower (22), with a filter mount (24) and with a tube port (26) for connecting a respirator device (40) by a tube (42). The filter mount (24) is designed to receive a filter (30), on which a color coding (32) with a color specific to the pneumatic resistance of the filter (30) is arranged, and the blower filter device (20) has an optical sensor device (50) for recognizing different colors of the color coding (32).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of delivering gas during ventilation of a patient using a system for breath delivery. The method of gas delivery includes real-time compensation of gas compression losses, in the current breath delivery phase, and gas leakage losses. The present invention further relates to a system for breath delivery. Still further, the present invention relates to a computer implemented method adapted of delivering gas during ventilation of a patient using a system for breath delivery.

Abstract: A method or device for assaying physiological gas levels in a human, comprising: repeatedly measuring a gas in samples of breath or blood, or continuously measuring the gas through the skin or fingernail, while he or she holds his or her breath for a specified time interval (BHt) before each measurement, wherein these time intervals are selected from the group consisting of BHt=0, 4-6, 20-25 and 35-40 seconds, and recording the results to form a series of values including at least one measurement at BHt=35-40 which is treated as representing the average gas level in all the tissues of the body (T) at that time, to determine if the individual is net inhaling, net exhaling or in equilibrium with the gas.

Abstract: A yarn or multi-fiber formed of a plurality of micron diameter stainless steel monofilaments which have been rendered more conductive by one or more coatings of electrolytically-deposited metal or metal alloy materials. The metallized yarn provided by the invention has a very low electrical resistance, with consequent benefit in electrical performance, and is particularly useful as an RFI/EMI shielding material.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a ventilation therapy system configured to control a pressure or flow generator to apply an intra-pulmonary percussive ventilation therapy regime to a pressurized flow of breathable gas during baseline ventilation therapy. The ventilation therapy system is configured to automatically control the pressurized flow of breathable gas. The system may automatically control an extent of hyperinflation during IPPV in a subject. The system is configured such that therapy set points, alarm settings, and/or other factors are automatically adjusted during the application of IPPV relative to the set points and alarm settings during baseline ventilation therapy. In some embodiments, the system comprises one or more of a pressure or flow generator, a subject interface, one or more sensors, one or more processors, a user interface, electronic storage, and/or other components.

Abstract: A method of controlling a flow rate includes selecting an operating condition defined by an operating flow rate and an operating pressure, comparing the operating flow rate to a threshold flow rate, and executing an adaptive calibration routing if the operating flow rate is greater than or equal to the threshold flow rate. The adaptive calibration routine includes measuring the operating pressure, measuring a first flow rate through a first meter, and modifying a pressure-flow table based on the operating pressure and the first flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a negative pressure generator comprising a vacuum pump having an intake end and an exhaust end, a soundproofing module having a compartment for accommodating the vacuum pump, the soundproofing module being configured to insulate noise and vibration generated when the vacuum pump is in operation, and a silencing tube module comprising a flexible intake tube having one open end communicating with the intake end of the vacuum pump and a flexible exhaust tube having one open end communicating with the exhaust end of the vacuum pump, the silencing tube module being configured to reduce noise generated at the intake end and/or the exhaust end of the vacuum pump when the vacuum pump is in operation. The negative pressure generator can provide a vacuum source to an oral interface device to favorably create a negative pressure environment in a user's oral cavity so that the patency of the user's upper airway is maintained.

Abstract: A gas analyzer system for analyzing and monitoring samples of compressed or ambient gas such as breathing air and informing the user as to the results of the sample's gas purity without the gas sample having to be physically transported to an accredited laboratory. The system comprises a gas analysis module situated at a user facility for receiving the contents of a gas sample and detecting gas impurity characteristics, and a server situated at a remote certification and monitoring center and electrically coupled to the gas analysis module via a bi-directional communications link such a computer network connection. The remote server receives and stores the gas purity characteristics in the form of gas impurity data obtained from the analysis module. The module includes a calibration canister containing a known gas. The module executes onboard calibration by analyzing the calibration gas and comparing it to known data stored on the module.

Abstract: An apparatus for the collection of samples of exhaled air during normal respiration, comprising a flow generator, an orally insertable exhalation air receiver, and a device for isolating the nasal airways, wherein the apparatus further comprises: a sensor for detecting a change in a parameter representing the change from inhalation to exhalation and to transmit said change as a signal; a control unit adapted to receive said signal and to control said device for isolating the nasal airways; wherein the flow generator is connected to or integrated with the exhalation air receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for the collection of samples of exhaled air during normal respiration, comprising a flow generator, an orally insertable exhalation air receiver, and a device for isolating the nasal airways, wherein the apparatus further comprises: a sensor for detecting a change in a parameter representing the change from inhalation to exhalation and to transmit said change as a signal; a control unit adapted to receive said signal and to control said device for isolating the nasal airways; wherein the flow generator is connected to or integrated with the exhalation air receiver.

Abstract: A device for drying a root canal includes a cannula configured to inject a gas stream into the root canal. The cannula is a conduit having a proximal end in fluidic communication with a distal end. A handpiece is configured to removably hold the proximal end of the cannula at a distal handpiece end. A gas stream source is connectable to a proximal end of a tube. A distal end of the tube is connectable to the proximal handpiece end. A cut-off valve is disposed within the handpiece in fluidic communication in series between the distal handpiece end and the proximal handpiece end. The cut-off valve is configured to cut off the gas stream flowing through the handpiece. A manually-controlled operating element is mechanically coupled to the cut-off valve, where the operating element is configured to be controlled by a dentist or technician holding the handpiece.

Abstract: A mask configured to be attached to the face of a subject includes a wall section that defines an internal space and covers at least a portion of a nose and a mouth of the subject, an expired gas introduction section that is disposed in the internal space and introduce the subject's expired gas, and a communication section defining a communication channel through which the subject's expired gas introduced from the expired gas introduction section is introduced into an expired gas concentration detection sensor. The position of the expired gas introduction section in the internal space is variable.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and device for monitoring an ambient humidity sensor in a combustion engine, where the monitoring of the ambient humidity sensor is made by comparing the ambient humidity measured by said humidity sensor and an ambient humidity determined from an oxygen measurement of at least another sensor in the engine system, such as a NOX, or Lambda and/or an oxygen sensor. Said comparison is made using an offset of the oxygen signal reading of said at least another sensor, in a fuel cut condition where the drift or offset of said another sensor is related to the variation of the ambient humidity.

Abstract: There is provided herein methods, apparatus and systems for evaluating carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in a subject's breath, for example in subjects ventilated with High Frequency Ventilation (HFV), the method includes inserting to a trachea of a subject an endotrachial tube (ETT), sampling breath from an area in the trachea located in proximity to a distal end of the endotrachial tube (ETT) and evaluating one or more CO2 related parameters of the sampled breath.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for resuscitation of an infant which maintains healthy blood oxygen saturation values in the infant by titration of supplemental oxygen concentrations.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask of the present invention includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. Additionally, the valve can be implemented with a diaphragm or with a flapper.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a ventilator to automatically adjust ventilation assistance to an active or passive subject. The method includes determining volume and flow rate of gas to the patient during inspiration on an ongoing basis, and generating control signals in proportion to the volume and flow rate of gas to the patient wherein proportionality factors, and support levels for the elastic and resistive components of pressure are automatically adjusted by the ventilator. The ongoing pressure applied by the ventilator is a sum of elastic and resistive pressures that are automatically controlled by the system. When the patient breathes spontaneously, the support levels are automatically adjusted based on the patient's requirements. If the patient does not breathe spontaneously, the ventilator provides ventilation at an optimal level and rate. The method may be used in weaning or in a management phase of ventilation.

Abstract: The present invention related to an iron bus bar coated with copper and a method of manufacturing the same. The present invention provides an iron bus bar including an iron core and a copper layer applied on the iron core, and a method of manufacturing the same. According to the present invention, an iron bus bar having high strength and durability as well as excellent electrical conductivity can be manufactured at low cost.

Abstract: Sidestream sampling of gas to determine information related to the composition of gas at or near the airway of a subject is implemented. From such information one or more breathing parameters of subject 12 (e.g., respiratory rate, end-tidal CO2, etc.) are determined, respiratory events (e.g., obstructions, apneas, etc.) are identified, equipment malfunction and/or misuse is identified, and/or functions are performed. To improve the accuracy of one or more of these determinations, information related to pressure at or near the airway of subject is implemented. This information may include detection of pressure at or near a sidestream sampling cell.

Abstract: A reliable and secure activation of an access based on a detection of movement in a remote access system by providing a secure method for opening/closing of an access in hands-free access mode. The detection of movement relates to the displacement of a lower member of a user by a remote access system, this access system including at least two elements of detection which each emit a signal whose variations (31, 33, 35) are analyzed. The detection of a movement of a lower member is validated by the application of a double verification step according to parameters (dAsA, dAsB) of a criterion for identification (tA, tB; dAsA, dAsB) of a form of variation (F2; A, B) of each signal (31, 33, 35) with a model form of the movement, and according to a criterion for simultaneity of detection of the forms of variation (F2) identified on the two signals.

Abstract: A system for controlling machine-induced expiratory airflow of a subject, the subject having an airway, the system comprising: a pressure generator (140) configured to generate a pressurized flow of breathable gas for delivery to the airway of the subject; and one or more processors (110) configured to execute computer program modules, the computer program modules comprising: a control module (170) configured to control the pressure generator a metric determination module (154) configured to determine a value of a flow metric during expiration by the subject, a flow analysis module (156) configured to compare the determined value of the flow metric with a target level of the flow metric; and an adjustment module (160) configured to adjust one or more of exsufflation pressure.

Abstract: A flowmeter for liquids has a measuring housing, which encloses and rotatably mounts an impeller, said measuring housing comprising a one-piece supply pipe and discharge pipe, wherein the impeller is eccentrically arranged in the discharge pipe after a nozzle-forming constriction. A sensor encoder is associated with the impeller and a sensor which responds to the sensor encoder is provided on the measuring housing for determining the amount of liquid flowing through the measuring housing on the basis of the revolutions of the impeller. The outer diameter corresponding to the impeller is smaller than the nominal inner diameter of the discharge pipe, enabling it to be pushed into the one-piece pipe.

Abstract: An air delivery system includes a controllable flow generator operable to generate a supply of pressurized breathable gas to be provided to a patient for treatment and a pulse oximeter configured to determine a measure of patient effort during a treatment period and provide a patient effort signal for input to control operation of the flow generator.

Abstract: Systems and methods are configured to inexsufflate a subject and provide cough-by-cough feedback during treatment and/or therapy of the subject. Through sensors that are included in the systems, various gas and/or respiratory parameters maybe measured and/or determined in real-time, such as, for example, peak cough flow and/or inspiratory tidal volume.

Abstract: A carbon-dioxide sampling system for accurately monitoring carbon dioxide in exhaled breath. The system includes a ventilator. The ventilator is configured to ventilate a patient with respiratory gases. The ventilator includes a carbon-dioxide sampling control unit and a carbon-dioxide analyzer. The carbon-dioxide sampling control unit is configured to control the timing of sampling of carbon dioxide in the exhaled breath of a patient, and to control the timing of the analysis of exhaled gases by the carbon-dioxide analyzer.

Abstract: An oxygen supply device, preferably a pilot oxygen supply device, has an oxygen source and at least one oxygen mask. A breathing regulator is arranged between the oxygen source and the oxygen mask. An oxygen sensor is arranged downstream of this breathing regulator.

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: The present invention relates to a solution for controlling the pressure/flow of breathing gas to a mechanical ventilator (4) by using an energy of breathing analysis and further to provide a pressure relief during exhalation and a trigger determination when to start the pressure relief using energy content of breathing in analysis for determining a pressure curve form during at least a portion of the expiration phase.

Abstract: The present invention is a breathing improvement monitor that continuously measures involuntary breathing. The monitor is a sensor apparatus that is attached to a patient's mask which is connected to the monitoring apparatus. The sensor may be reusable and attachable and detachable to a mask or it may be an integral part of a breathing mask. The sensor technology may be any type sufficient in the art, including but not limited to solid state sensors, transducers, electromagnetic microturbines and the like. Since the mask does not have to be removed and the sensor provides constant signal to the monitoring apparatus, a real time status of a patient's involuntary breathing capability may be determined for a doctor's consideration.

Abstract: An anesthetic breathing apparatus has a first gas analyzer arranged to provide gas measurement data related to a first sample point to a control unit that is arranged in a servo or feedback control system configured to adjust delivery of a vaporized anesthetic agent from an anesthetic vaporizer to a delivery point in an inspiratory branch of a breathing circuit of the anesthetic breathing apparatus, The first sampling point is arranged in the breathing circuit downstream and close to the delivery point. A second gas analyzer arranged to be operated in a first mode of operation to provide gas measurement data for patient monitoring, and arranged to be operated in a second mode of operation to provide gas measurement data to the control unit. A switch over unit is fluidly connected to the second gas analyzer, and arranged to switch fluid communication of said second gas analyzer between the first sample point for the second mode of operation and a second sample point for the first mode of operation.

Abstract: An anesthesia system is disclosed herein. The anesthesia system includes a sensor configured to measure an anesthetic agent concentration, and a processor connected to the sensor. The processor is configured to generate an exponential agent model based on the measured anesthetic agent concentration. The exponential agent model represents a plurality of future anesthetic agent concentrations.

Abstract: A ventilator for use by a clinician in supporting a patient presenting pulmonary distress. A controller with a touch-screen display operates a positive or negative pressure gas source that communicates with the intubated or negative pressure configured patient through valved supply and exhaust ports. A variety of peripheral, central, and/or supply/exhaust port positioned sensors may be included to measure pressure, volumetric flow rate, gas concentration, transducer, and chest wall breathing work. Innovative modules and routines are incorporated into the controller module enabling hybrid, self-adjusting ventilation protocols and models that are compatible with nearly every conceivable known, contemplated, and prospective technique, and which establish rigorous controls configured to rapidly adapt to even small patient responses with great precision so as to maximize ventilation and recruitment while minimizing risks of injury, atelectasis, and prolonged ventilator days.

Abstract: Anaesthesia machine arrangement and a method in connection with an anaesthesia machine arrangement comprising a gas dispenser of an anaesthesia machine connected to a patient circuit that comprises a monitor device, a control device and an interface unit. The gas dispenser is configured to deliver a desired concentration of fresh gas to the patient circuit, the desired concentration being set by using the interface unit. The monitor device is configured by using a sample line to monitor gas concentration in the patient circuit and the control device is configured to control the gas dispenser from the basis of the data received from the monitor device to keep the desired fresh gas concentration.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus includes a source of compressed air and a lung demand valve that receives compressed air from the source. A pneumatic valve assembly is connected between the source and the lung demand valve. The pneumatic valve assembly is moveable between a first closed position that prevents a flow of compressed air to the lung demand valve and a second open position that provides a path for compressed air to flow to the lung demand valve. A mask receives the lung demand valve therein. The mask provides the compressed air to a user and having a first operational mode providing filtered ambient air to the user and a second operational mode providing compressed air to the user. A control device is coupled to the pneumatic valve assembly. The control device detects a condition in the air surrounding the apparatus and controlling the pneumatic valve assembly to move between the first closed and second open position and the mask to operate in a respective one of the first and second operational modes.