Abstract: A pressure support system having enhanced noise reduction and a valve assembly for use in pressure support system. The pressure support system includes a pressure generator having an inlet and an outlet. A first conduit defining a tortuous path is coupled between a gas source and the inlet of the pressure generator. A second conduit coupled to the outlet of the pressure generator delivers the flow of gas from the pressure generator to a patient. A valve assembly communicates gas from the second conduit to the first conduit to control the pressure or a rate of the flow of gas in the second conduit. By communicating gas from the second conduit to the first conduit, the noise associated with exhausting gas from the second conduit is muffled by the tortuous path of the first conduit.

Abstract: A gas delivery, evacuation and respiratory monitoring system comprises a face mask having an inflow flapper valve and a fresh-gas inflow tube and an exhaust-gas outflow tube and a gas sampling tube, a fresh gas source and an exhaust-gas scavenging system, a fresh gas supply tube operative coupling the fresh gas source and the face mask, an exhaust-gas hose operatively coupling the scavenging system and exhaust-gas outflow tube, a carbon-dioxide monitoring device, also known as a capnograph and a carbon-dioxide sampling tube operative coupling the capnograph and the mask.

Abstract: A flashlight for dispensing a substance from an aerosol canister includes an elongated housing having a front end, a rear end, and a central longitudinal axis, the aerosol canister being slidably received within the housing. The flashlight also includes at least one light emitting diode disposed approximate the front end of the housing and an elongated spray tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the aerosol canister and the spray tube extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis such that the distal end extends beyond the front end of the housing.

Abstract: A method for determining a mask-fit test pressure to be applied to a wearer's mask by ventilatory assistance apparatus includes adaptively determining the mask-fit pressure from prior use.

Abstract: A method of pressure regulation and a ventilator are provided. The ventilator includes a positive relative pressure gas supply, a negative relative pressure gas supply, and a diverter valve. The diverter valve includes a positive pressure port connected to the positive relative pressure gas supply, a negative pressure port connected to the negative relative pressure gas supply, and a gas supply port communicating with a gas delivery device. The ventilator preferably further includes a feedback sensor that detects a gas supply difference between a gas supply and a predetermined gas supply and generates a feedback signal that is substantially related to the gas supply difference. The ventilator preferably further includes a diverter valve actuator communicating with the diverter valve and operating the diverter valve to communicate the positive relative pressure gas supply and the negative relative pressure gas supply to the gas supply port of the diverter valve based upon the feedback signal.

Abstract: A flashlight for dispensing a substance from an aerosol canister, the flashlight including an elongated housing having a front end, a rear end, and a central longitudinal axis, the aerosol canister being slidably received and fixedly positionable within the housing. At least one light emitting diode disposed approximate the front end of the housing and an elongated spray tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the aerosol canister and the spray tube extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis such that the distal end extends beyond the front end of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for a gas delivery and monitoring system for delivering a gas product to a patient and receiving a gas product exhaled from a patient. In an embodiment, the gas delivery and monitoring system includes a head support made of resilient material and having therein a facial cavity. The facial cavity is configured to fit the contours of a patient's face and provides an oxygen rich environment for the patient while undergoing a medical procedure. In an embodiment, the facial cavity is shaped substantially in the form of a figure eight. In an embodiment, the facial cavity is further provided with one or more segmented edges that can be removed to further shape the facial cavity to the contours of the patient's face. In an embodiment, tubing is used to deliver oxygen from an oxygen source to the patient. Similarly, tubing is also used to receive carbon dioxide exhaled by the patient so that it might be measured by a carbon dioxide monitor.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube pressure monitoring system for an endotracheal tube having at least pressure sensor in communication with a major lumen of the endotracheal tube, and a pressure monitoring subsystem in operative communication with the pressure sensor. The system may also have at least one fluid pressure line in fluid communication with the major lumen and in operative communication with the pressure monitoring subsystem to monitor the pressure of fluid within each respective fluid pressure line, and a purging subsystem in fluid communication with the fluid pressure line. Each fluid pressure line that is in fluid communication with the purging subsystem being selectively purged by the purging subsystem when pressure monitoring subsystem determines the respective pressure line has become obstructed. Purging the fluid pressure line maintains the patency of the pressure line so that accurate pressure measurements within the endotracheal tube can be obtained for calculation of parameters in lung mechanics.

Abstract: A novel ventilator, which can be operated from main power, an internal or external battery supply, includes an integral compressor, valves, sensors, and embedded web server. The embedded web server can be connected to external monitoring devices.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring an oxygen partial pressure in an air mask and providing a tactile warning to the user. The oxygen partial pressure in the air mask is detected using an electrochemical sensor, the output signal from which is provided to a comparator. The comparator compares the output signal with a preset reference value or range of values representing acceptable oxygen partial pressures. If the output signal is different than the reference value or outside the range of values, the air mask is vibrated by a vibrating motor to alert the user to a potentially hypoxic condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (200) for anaesthetising a living creature (V) and for maintaining said creature in an anaesthetised state, by administering thereto an infused volume of anaesthesia inducing pharmaceutical (22) in liquid phase per unit of time, with the aid of one or more lung ventilator units (A) and one or more infusion units (B). Chosen parts of the lung ventilator unit, with the exception of external insufflation hose, expiration valve, measuring probe and a number of hoses (12), and selected parts of the infusion unit (B), with the exception of cannula (5B) and hose (4B) are mutually combined to form a single equipment unit (201). Some of the parts of the equipment unit are mutually coordinated with respect to communication via a computer unit (600) included in the equipment unit, and the computer unit is adapted to monitor unit related criteria and creature related criteria.

Abstract: A ventilator supplies a plurality of volumes of fluid to a patient during a like plurality of inhalations by the patient. Each volume of fluid is supplied at an inspiratory positive airway pressure during a corresponding inhalation by the patient. A volume of fluid received by the patient is determined for each of the plurality of inhalations by the patient and an average volume of fluid received by the patient during each of the plurality of inhalations is determined. The average volume of fluid received by the patient during each inhalation is compared to a predetermined target volume and the inspiratory positive airway pressure each volume of fluid is supplied to the patient is adjusted as a function of the comparison.

Abstract: A device and method of ventilating a patient reduces the bias flow relative to existing oscillatory ventilators. The device has a gas flow circuit including an oscillating line, a patient line and an exhalation or a return line. A gas supply line and an outlet valve are in pneumatic communication with the gas flow circuit. One or more CO2 scrubbers and one or more check valves are provided in the circuit. A method of ventilating using such a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A carbon-dioxide sampling tube operatively couples a capnograph and an exhaust-gas sampling tube of a mask. The mask has an ambient-to-inside-the mask inflow flapper valve located on a wall of the mask, a fresh-gas inflow tube, an exhaust-gas outflow tube, and a gas sampling tube. A fresh gas inflow tube operatively couples a fresh gas source and the face mask. An exhaust-gas hose operatively couples a scavenging system and the exhaust gas outflow tube.

Abstract: A face mask including a gas monitoring capability for improved patient management in combination with improved efficiency of supplemental oxygen delivery to the patient is provided. The face mask of the present invention is configured to direct substantially all of the inspiratory and expiratory gas streams to and from the patient through a gas measuring device and to efficiently deliver supplemental oxygen. As such, the face mask permits measurement of both oral and nasal gas exchange.

Abstract: A method of determining ventilation inhomogeneity in the lungs is provided. During the first step of the method, a lung volume series is calculated from a series of measured lung inert gas concentrations and lung inert gas volumetric change measured data series. As a second step, the series of lung volumes is completed with a series of value representing the total gas exchange efficiency in the lungs. A global inert gas dilution ratio may be used for this purpose. The gas exchange efficiency values are such that less ventilation is represented by lower numbers. As the third step, the gas exchange efficiency series is plotted as an ordinate and lung volume series as an abscissa to form a graph. From this graph both the lung volume and homogeneity of ventilation become directly apparent.

Abstract: A nebulizer determines the pressure and flow direction of the receiving gas for atomized liquid. A member of the apparatus is subjected to pressure exerted by the gas. The member is coupled to a bi-directional mechanical-electrical conversion element, such as a piezoelectric element, to form a pressure transducer. The member exerts a mechanical loading on the element responsive to the gas pressure to which it is subjected. In one embodiment, the element mechanically vibrates responsive to alternating electrical energization to discharge the liquid into the gas. The electrical admittance of the element is alterable by the mechanical loading applied to the element by the member. The difference between admittances measured in the loaded condition of the element and in an unloaded condition at the selected energization frequency is an indication of the pressure of the gas.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for simulating the metabolic consumption of oxygen contained in a breathable gas. A variable volume chamber cyclically increases/decreases in volume to receive the breathable gas/expel an exhaust gas. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide are introduced into the chamber to mix with the breathable gas to form the exhaust gas. Hydrogen is introduced in an amount sufficient to react with an amount of the oxygen in the exhaust gas equivalent to that used by a human during a selected level of activity. Carbon dioxide is introduced in an amount equivalent to that provided by a metabolic respiratory quotient associated with the same level of activity. A catalyst, exposed to the exhaust gas, causes a reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen in the exhaust gas to generate simulated human exhalation.

Abstract: According to this process, there is supplied to the passengers a first fraction of air enriched in oxygen from independent supply elements, in particular high pressure cylinders (16), during a descent phase of the aircraft between a normal cruising altitude and an intermediate re-routing altitude. There is moreover compressed air taken from a source of compressed air belonging to the aircraft, to produce (in 2) a second fraction of the air enriched in oxygen which is delivered to the passengers, at least during a phase of stabilized flight of the aircraft, adjacent the re-routing altitude, greater than 5,500 meters.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the delivery of supplemental oxygen gas to a person combined with the monitoring of the ventilation of the person with both being accomplished without the use of a sealed face mask. Preferred embodiments of the present invention combine an oxygen delivery device, a nasal airway pressure sampling device, an oral airway pressure sampling device, and a pressure analyzer connected to the sampling devices to determine the phase of the person's respiration cycle and the person's primary airway. The oxygen delivery device is connected to a controller such that it delivers a higher flow of oxygen to the person during the inhalation phase of the person's respiratory cycle. The invention thus increases end tidal oxygen concentrations with improved efficiency comparative to known open airway devices.

Abstract: An airway adaptor that includes a tubular body having a first gas flow passage defined therein. A protrusion extends from an interior wall of the tubular body into the gas flow passage. The protrusion includes a distal end portion spaced apart from the interior wall of the tubular body, and a second gas flow passage defined through the protrusion. An inlet to the second gas flow passage is provided at the distal end portion of the protrusion, and an outlet of the second gas flow passage is provided at an exterior portion of the tubular body. A pair of sidewalls are disposed on the distal end portion of the protrusion. Each sidewall is generally parallel to a direction of a flow of gas through the first passage. The inlet of the second gas flow passage is disposed between the pair of sidewalls.

Abstract: A respirator with a tidal volume-measuring device (6) between a respiration bag (8) and a patient adapter (2) provides accurate metering of the tidal volume. The device includes a first pressure-measuring device (4) and a breathing gas interruptor (5) in series sequence between the patient adapter (2) and the tidal volume-measuring device (6). A second pressure-measuring device (7) is provided between the tidal volume-measuring device (6) and the respiration bag (8). A control unit (20) is connected with the tidal volume-measuring device (6) and the pressure-measuring devices (4, 7) and sends control signals in such a way that when a predetermined tidal volume is reached, the breathing gas interrupter (5) is switched to the closed position, and that the closed position is eliminated when the pressure p2 measured with the second pressure-measuring means (7) has dropped below the pressure p1 determined with the first pressure-measuring means (4).

Abstract: An apparatus and process for supplying low pressure oxygen-enriched gas to a patient and at a moderate pressure to a radial compressor, whereupon it is compressed and fed to a high pressure storage tank. The oxygen-enriched gas is prioritized so that it is continuously supplied via a patient flow line to the patient.

Abstract: A ventilator supplies a plurality of volumes of fluid to a patient during a like plurality of inhalations by the patient. Each volume of fluid is supplied at an inspiratory positive airway pressure during a corresponding inhalation by the patient. A volume of fluid received by the patient is determined for each of the plurality of inhalations by the patient and an average volume of fluid received by the patient during each of the plurality of inhalations is determined. The average volume of fluid received by the patient during each inhalation is compared to a predetermined target volume and the inspiratory positive airway pressure each volume of fluid is supplied to the patient is adjusted as a function of the comparison.

Abstract: A system for filling a portable cylinder with therapeutic gas, and providing therapeutic gas to a patient. Therapeutic gas delivery to a patient may be through a conserver, or may be in a continuous mode. Some embodiments of the invention may test the contents of the portable cylinder prior to filling. The specification also discloses a silent mode of operation where therapeutic gas is provided from the system by means of internal and/or external cylinders.

Abstract: A sub-housing received within a housing of an apparatus for supplying breathable gas, includes a gas flow path between a gas inlet and a gas outlet and an impeller in fluid communication between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The impeller is structured and configured to be releasably engaged with a shaft associated with an electric motor that is disposed exterior to the housing, whereby rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the impeller.

Abstract: A gas circuit has an outlet and an inlet. Circuit adapters are provided. An anesthesia breathing circuit has tubular breathing circuit hoses, a Y connector and a connecting elbow. The breathing circuit has an electronically conductive system of wires and contacts to form two unconnected parallel electric circuits. An endotracheal tube has a conductive strip. A capnograph has a sampling tube coupled to the breathing circuit. The capnograph is electrically coupled to the separate electric circuits. The capnograph begins an adjustable timer when the endotracheal connector completes the electrical circuit by connecting the endotracheal tube to the breathing circuit. The timer provides for the transmission of an alarm when the circuit had been completed and no carbon dioxide was detected in the breathing hoses within a predetermined amount of time. The timer also provides for the transmission of an alarm when the circuit had been completed and had been disconnected.

Abstract: The present invention includes a non-rebreathing circuit coupled with computer-controlled gas adjustments. Ambient air is diluted with nitrogen on a breath-by-breath basis to provide precise control over the inspired concentration of oxygen/nitrogen mixture, thereby simulating selected altitudes on an almost instantaneous basis. Carbon dioxide and water vapor exhaled by the subject are released into the environment and absorption is not necessary. In addition, the mixed gas can be administered through a standard aviator's oxygen mask, increasing the realism of the simulation and removing obvious external cues on the nature of the experiment. Maintenance on the mixing loop is low when compared to re-breathing units, since no consumable items are necessary to absorb water vapor or carbon dioxide. A mixing device provides a homogenized mixture of nitrogen/oxygen fluid to the subject.

Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating the oxygen content of and injecting aroma into a stream of air and delivering the stream of air to the nostrils of a person includes an air intake filter in fluid communication with the air compressor for drawing a stream of air out of the surrounding atmosphere; a sieve bed in fluid communication with the air intake means, each sieve bed containing a quantity of nitrogen absorption material and having sieve bed input and output valve mechanism; so that the sieve bed extracts nitrogen from the air stream so that the proportion of oxygen exiting the sieve bed is elevated, and as the input valve mechanism closes, the sieve bed output valve mechanism opens and vents absorbed nitrogen from the sieve bed to the atmosphere; an aroma chamber containing aroma releasing material in fluid communication with the output valve mechanism.

Abstract: A patient monitoring apparatus for quantatively measuring a physiological characteristic of a patient. A first patient interface communicates with an airway of a patient such that substantially all gas inhaled and exhaled by the patient passes through the first patient interface. One or more vent elements associated with the first patient interface communicate the first patient interface with an ambient atmosphere so that a pressure differential is created between the pressure in the first patient interface and the pressure of the ambient atmosphere. A sensor communicates with the first patient interface and measures a fluid characteristic resulting from this pressure differential and outputs a first signal indicative of that characteristic. The output from the sensor is used alone, or in combination with the output from other sensors that detect other physiological characteristics, to provide a variety of information about the patient.

Abstract: An intubation method and system including the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient airway, inflating an cuff associated with the endotracheal tube at a location in the patient airway below the vocal cords, monitoring carbon dioxide concentration in the patient airway at a carbon dioxide monitoring location between the cuff and the vocal cords and adjusting inflation of the cuff based at least in part on the monitoring in order that the cuff inflation generally prevents leakage of carbon dioxide past the cuff.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for determining respiratory system resistance (R) in a patient receiving gas from a ventilator. A negative pulse in the pressure and/or flow output of the ventilator during selected inflation cycles is generated and Paw, {dot over (V)} and V are measured at a point (To) near the beginning of the pulse, at a point (T1) near the trough of the negative pulse and at a point (T?1) preceding To. The value of R is calculated from the difference between Paw, {dot over (V)} and V at To and at T1 and where the change in patient generated pressure (Pmus) in the interval To?T1 is estimated by extrapolation from the different between Paw, {dot over (V)} and V and To and at T?1, in accordance with Equation 8.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically blending gases, comprising an input device for receiving predetermined mixed gas concentration data from the user, a plurality of gas inlet valves which allow a plurality of gas flows to enter a homogenizing chamber for mixing the plurality of gas flows into a mixed gas, at least one gas sensor for detecting the concentration of one or more components of the mixed gas and generating at least one output signal representative thereof; and a manager for receiving the at least one output signal and comparing the at least one output signal with the predetermined mixed gas concentration data and in response generating a signal to at least one gas inlet valve to modify the plurality of gas flows to maintain the desired mixed gas concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the quantitative analysis of respiratory gases to and from a patient connected to a respirator for breathing assistance, wherein the arrangement includes an adapter (1) that has connections (4) for a respirator or the like and connections (3) for a hose leading to teh patient, wherein the adapter includes between the respirator connection (4) and the hose connections (3) a passive respiratory gas humidifier (4), wherein a connection for a measuring head (2) for a gas analyser is provided between the passive humidifier (14) and the respirator connection (4), and wherein the measuring head connection includes two windows (7) through which rays of light from the measuring head (2) can pass.

Abstract: A device for ventilation, comprising

Abstract: A portable method and apparatus for allowing an individual to pre-adjust at sea level for future high altitudes is taught. The invention teaches the use of a small portable breathing gas control system to adjust the gas concentrations going to a subject's face mask.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a breathing disorder and, more particularly, a method and apparatus for providing a pressurized air flow to an airway of a patient to treat congestive heart failure in combination with Cheyne-Stokes respiration and/or sleep apnea or other breathing disorders. A positive airway pressure ventilator is utilized in combination with an algorithm that adjusts IPAP and EPAP in order to counter a Cheyne-Stokes breathing pattern. Cheyne-Stokes respiration is detected by monitoring a peak flow of the patient.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance device may include a tube that forms a main channel for connecting a distal end of the tube to a respiratory airway of a patient, such that the main channel connects the respiratory system of the patient to the outside. The device may also include an auxiliary channel, for connecting to a source of breathable gas to blow a ventilating gas stream into the patient's respiratory system. This auxiliary channel emerges in the main channel by a distal orifice arranged in front of a distal end of the main channel. A deflecting device may be provided, facing the distal orifice of the auxiliary channel, for deflecting the ventilating breathable gas stream toward the axis of the main channel. Also, a communication device, between the deflecting device and the distal end of the main channel, may be included for opening and closing a passageway.

Abstract: A mechanical breathing aid has first and second inlets respectively connectable to a source of air and a source of oxygen. A mixing location is in gaseous communication with the first and second inlets, at which controlled amounts of air and oxygen from the respective inlets are mixed. An acoustic analyzer operates during a measurement procedure to access a moisture content value for air from the source of air, to generate acoustic velocity-related information from acoustic energy interaction with the breathing gas, and to determine therefrom an oxygen content. The analyzer operates during a calibration procedure to generate acoustic velocity-related information from acoustic energy interaction with air from the source of air, and to determine therefrom an oxygen content value for the air from which is determined a moisture content value for air.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for regulating the expiratory flow in a CPAP system includes submerging a tube into a column of water. Improvements are included for adjusting the level to which the tube is submerged and for ensuring constant water level.

Abstract: A microphone adaptor for a respirator is provided which has a sound tube that extends between a speech projector of the respirator and a microphone enabling clear speech to be received by the microphone. The adaptor may include a microphone box for receiving the microphone, preferably a headset boom microphone of a standard issue headset.

Abstract: A method to maintain isocapnia for a subject. A fresh gas is provided to the subject when the subject breathes at a rate less than or equal to the fresh gas flowing to the subject. The fresh gas flow equal to a baseline minute ventilation minus a dead space gas ventilation of the subject contains a physiological insignificant amount of CO2. An additional reserve gas is provided to the subject when the subject breathes at a rate more than the fresh gas flowing to the subject. The reserve gas has a partial pressure of carbon dioxide equal to an arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide of the subject. A breathing circuit is applied to the method to maintain isocapnia for a subject. The breathing circuit has an exit port, a non-rebreathing valve, a source of fresh gas, a fresh gas reservoir and a reserve gas supply.

Abstract: A pressure support system and method of treating disordered breathing that optimizes the pressure delivered to the patient to treat the disordered breathing while minimizing the delivered pressure for patient comfort. The controller in the pressure support system operates as a set of prioritized control layers, wherein each control layer competes for control of the pressure generating system to implement a unique pressure control process. The pressure support system also controls the pressure provided to the patient based on the variability of the monitored data and a trend analysis of this data, including an indication of the skewness of the patient's inspiratory waveform.

Abstract: A connection of a sensor to a respirator/ventilator is provided without individual cable connections having to be led from the respirator to the sensor. A signal line (18) extends along the breathing gas tube (2) and is designed to transmit signals of the sensor (16) to the respirator. A contactless interface (17) is provided between the signal line (18) and the sensor (16).

Abstract: The apparatus provides for the determination of the instantaneous phase in the respiratory cycle, subject's average respiration rate and the provision of ventilatory assistance. A microprocessor (16) receives an airflow signal from a pressure transducer (18) coupled to a port (17) at a mask (11). The microprocessor (16) controls a servo (19), that in turn controls the fan motor (20) and thus the pressure of air delivered by the blower (10). The blower (10) is coupled to a subject's mask (ii) by a conduit (12). The invention seeks to address the following goals: while the subject is awake and making substantial efforts the delivered assistance should be closely matched in phase with the subject's efforts; the machine should automatically adjust the degree of assistance to maintain at least a specified minimum ventilation without relying on the integrity of the subject's chemoreflexes; and it should continue to work correctly in the pesence of large leaks.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for delivering NO to a patient. The device utilizes a single controller that controls two separate flow controllers to deliver an oxygen-containing gas and a NO-containing gas to the patient. The flow profiles of the oxygen-containing gas and the NO-containing gas are controlled by the controller. In one aspect of the invention, the flow profile of the NO-containing gas is proportional to the flow profile of the oxygen-containing gas throughout patient inspiration. In this regard, the patient receives a steady concentration of NO. In another aspect of the invention, the flow profile of the NO-containing gas is quasi-proportional to the flow profile of the oxygen-containing gas. In this regard, the NO-containing gas flow profile is altered to provide an increased concentration of NO either at the beginning or end of inspiration.

Abstract: A device for reducing dead space in a ventilator system has a first tube connectable to the dead space in the ventilator system for producing a flow path for the transport of gas from dead space in the ventilator system, a suction device connected to the first tube for generating an adjustable negative pressure in the first tube, a second tube connectable to dead space in the ventilator system, for producing a flow path for the transport of gas to dead space in the ventilator system, a pump connected to the second tube for generating an adjustable positive pressure in the second tube, and a control unit which regulates the suction device and the pump. The suction device and the pump are formed by a first chamber and a second chamber, respectively, in an enclosure, separated by a gas-tight, moving partition. The control unit regulates the moving partition to regulate the suction device and the pump for achieving simpler and more reliable operation.

Abstract: A medical ventilator system is disclosed which automatically controls and modifies the oxygen support provided to the patient. The system includes a source of pressurized oxygen and a fluid conduit extending between the pressurized oxygen source and a patient. A valve is fluidly connected in series with the conduit which is variably controllable to vary the oxygen support for the patient. A pulse oximeter provides an SpO2 signal representative of the blood saturation of the patient. A controller is responsive to the magnitude of the SpO2 signal as well as the rate of change of the SpO2 signal for varying the oxygen support (FiO2) to the patient by variably actuating the valve. Preferably, the controller utilizes fuzzy logic to determine the proper oxygen support for the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for performing forced expiratory maneuver in an infant to assess the infant's pulmonary function. Under this method, the infant's lungs are synchronously inflated to super-atmospheric levels synchronous with the infant's natural tidal inspiration for a plurality of consecutive respiratory cycles. The end-expiratory CO2 levels in the infant's respiration are measured during the test. When the end-expiratory CO2 concentration decreases from the baseline by a pre-defined amount, the infant lungs are rapidly inflated to substantially total lung volume and rapidly deflated to produce a maximum forced expiration. The pre-defined amount of change in CO2 concentration is usually determined by the testing clinician. Typical concentration drop in CO2 levels, for example, ranges between 4 and 8 mmHg. But the decrease may also be as little as 2 mmHg or as much as 15 mmHg, depending on the testing clinician.

Abstract: A gas supply and monitoring system is provided for use in many medical system which can include, but is not limited to, a sedation and analgesia system, anesthesia machines, dental gas systems, and veterinary systems which deliver gasses. The gas supply and monitoring system can include a gas source; a variable size orifice system connected to the gas source wherein the variable size orifice system has a gas output supply opposite of the gas source; and a sensor system connected to the gas output supply wherein the sensor system can be used to verify a patient receives the appropriate gas output supply.