Abstract: CPR systems that provide guidance to a CPR provider are presented. Contemplated CPR systems include sensors that collect a victim's biometric data during CPR. The data is processed by an electronic assembly which provides feedback to the CPR provider. The electronic assembly can be packaged within a cranio-cervical extension device having language independent instructions encoded on a surface of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering the delivery of an aerosol. The apparatus has a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus may also include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region. An atomizer, coupled to the fluid region, is configured to aerosolize at least a portion of the fluid.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach for displaying information on a ventilator system. The disclosure describes a novel respiratory system including a removable primary display and system status display. Further, the disclosure describes a novel method for displaying ventilator information and a novel method for controlling a ventilator system.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing metered dosages of a medicament from a container includes a dispenser housing having a support block defining a longitudinal axis and an indicator housing disposed at least partially around the support block. An actuator includes a central, cylindrical hub portion adapted to be engaged by the container and centered about the longitudinal axis. The actuator is moveable along the longitudinal axis relative to the indicator housing and includes a resilient arm. A drive gear is rotatably disposed in the indicator housing and is rotatable in response to successive engagements by the resilient arm. An indicator is rotatably disposed in the indicator housing and is rotatable in response to the rotation of the drive gear. The indicator includes dosage indicia. A dispensing system and indicating device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the presence or absence of a pulmonary embolism (PE) in a patient. The breathing gas CO2 partial pressure (PCO2) during the expiration of breathing gases by the patient, the end tidal (EtCO2), CO2 partial pressure, and the CO2 partial pressure (PaCO2) of the blood are measured. The volume (V) of breathing gases expired during the expiration of breathing gases by the patient is also measured and a relationship between changes in breathing gas CO2 partial pressure (PCO2) and changes in breathing gas volume (V) in an alveolar expiration phase of patient expiration is determined. The difference between the blood CO2 partial pressure (PaCO2) and the end expiration CO2 partial pressure is divided by the relationship between PCO2 and V produce a quantity which is compared to a threshold value. If the quantity is below the threshold value, the absence of a pulmonary embolism is indicated.

Abstract: A dose counter for use in connection with a device adapted for metered dispensing of a medication is described. The dose counter has a first count indicator that has a first indicia bearing surface, with the first count indicator being rotatable about a first axis. The dose counter also has a second count indicator that has a second indicia bearing surface, with the second count indicator being rotatable about a second axis. The second axis is disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to the first axis, and the first and second indicia bearing surfaces align at a common viewing area to collectively present at least a portion of a medication dosage count.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held device (1), as depicted in exemplary FIG. 4, for metered dispensing of sprayable substances, particularly medicaments for inhalation, with a cartridge (3) that can be moved into the dispensing position, by pressure being applied to a housing, and with a step-by-step indexing mechanism (11) which is entrained by the cartridge (3) in the opening travel thereof and which is used to record and display the dispensing actuations that have been performed.

Abstract: An exhalation valve assembly that controls the pressure of exhaled gas in a ventilation system is described. The exhalation valve assembly includes an actuator module that may be fixed to the ventilation system and a valve module, removable for cleaning or disposal, through which the exhaled gas flows and that controls the pressure and release of the exhaled gas to the environment. Other components may also be incorporated into the assembly including a filter module, a flow meter and a condensate trap.

Abstract: A side-stream respiration monitoring system includes a sensor, a monitor, and a display. The sensor is constructed to engage respiration flows having a variable flow amounts and acquire a respiration sample from the flow. The monitor is connected to the sensor and configured to determine the amount of respiration flow as well as the amount of several constituents of the respiration flow such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, and nitrous oxide. The monitor is also configured to adjust the determined values for ambient environment variations and is self-calibrating with respect to the ambient conditions. The monitor temporally aligns the acquired data to account for dead-space respiration events and physiological respiration modifications such as cardiac events. Information generated by the monitor is communicated to an operator via a display configured to display the real-time respiration performance.

Abstract: A dose counting device for use with a medicinal metered dose dispensing device, the device including an actuator having at least one finger that is designed for reciprocal movement comprising an outward stroke and a return stroke, an annular member having a helical thread segment formed about a circumferential arc on a part of its surface, and a drive nut positioned around a radial cross-section of the annular member and having an internal helical rib engaged with said helical thread segment on the annular member whereby rotation of the drive nut about the circumferential arc of the annular member results in rotational movement of the annular member, the outer surface of the drive nut comprising one or more driving surfaces for engagement by said at least one finger on the actuator during said reciprocal movement to cause rotation of the drive nut.

Abstract: A probe assembly of a sensor is arranged in an airflow channel. A first probe of the assembly has an inlet. The inlet is at a first point in the airflow channel. A second probe of the assembly has an inlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the airflow channel. The second probe inlet is closer to a surface defining a perimeter of the channel than is the first probe inlet.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach for displaying information on a ventilation system. The disclosure describes a novel respiratory system including a removable primary display and system status display. Further, the disclosure describes a novel method for displaying ventilator information and a novel method for controlling a ventilation system.

Abstract: A measurement gas vessel (3) for the measurement of the concentration of gas components of a stream of breath from a patient has a thin-walled inner part (11) which has two opposite facing walls limiting the breath stream. The walls are transparent to infrared light. An outer part (10) which in the central region (7) has two recesses on opposite sides which, with the walls (16) of the inner part (11), each form a window (9). A region of the inner part (11) outside the windows (9) is thermally connected to the outer part (10), and the outer part (10) surrounds the inner part (11).

Abstract: A low flow heated/humidified respiratory gas delivery system, especially useful for low flow rates as preferred in the treatment of neonate and other such patients, wherein the respiratory gas is heated and humidified as desired for delivery to the patient and the temperature is monitored at the point of delivery to the patient.

Abstract: The function of a respiration system, with a patient port (1) with connected inspiration branch (3) and expiration branch, is checked. A rebreathing line (9) connects the inspiration branch to the expiration branch. A reservoir (25) is connected to a reservoir port (27) in the rebreathing line. An actuatable control valve (29) is provided in the rebreathing line between the expiration branch and the reservoir port. A pressure sensor (33) is connected to the rebreathing line. A control unit (39) is connected to the control valve and to pressure sensor. The process includes closing the control valve for a preset inspiration time and opening it for a preset expiration time. The value sent by the pressure sensor is detected with the control valve opened during the expiration time and compared with a preset first threshold valve. An error message is generated when the value sent exceeds the first threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser (1) for pulverulent substances (30), in particular medicaments, from a blister pack (25), dome-shaped cavities (26) of which that are disposed on a base layer (28) can, by movement in a dispenser housing (4), be brought step by step into an emptying position, in which they can be opened by means of a needle (31) and can be emptied by a suction air stream (a) leading to a mouthpiece (6). To achieve optimum emptying of the cavities, it is proposed that the needle (31) passes crosswise through both lateral walls of the dome (29) of the cavities (preferably parallel to the base layer 28) in order to form a through path to the mouthpiece for suction air.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in or relating to medicament delivery devices. In particular, this invention relates to a communications device which may be fitted to an electronic medicament delivery device. The invention may be particularly suitable for use with electronic medicament inhalers such as those used for the treatment of diabetes, or respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and bronchiectasis.

Abstract: A method of intubating a subject is disclosed. The method comprises inserting an endotracheal tube into the tracheal airway of the subject; inflating a cuff associated with the endotracheal tube within the airway below the vocal cords; measuring a level of at least one measure being indicative of leakage of secretion past the cuff to the lungs; comparing the level of the measure with an optimal level of the measure; and adjusting inflation of the cuff based on the comparison so as to generally minimize leakage of secretion from above the cuff to the lungs, while minimizing pressure associated damages to the airway. The measure(s) can be carbon dioxide concentration, a proxy measure from which such concentration can be inferred, or the level of one or more additives delivered to a subject during intubation.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach for displaying information on a ventilator system. The disclosure describes a novel respiratory system including a removable primary display and system status display. Further, the disclosure describes a novel method for displaying ventilator information and a novel method for controlling a ventilator system.

Abstract: The dispenser has a body (1), with a mouthpiece cover (2). Opening of the cover urges a junction member (3) towards a source (4) of a medicament to be released as a dose by pressing a spout (5) of the source inwards of the source. The source is supported by a cap (11) clipped to the end of a source-enclosing barrel (12) with intern al splines (10). The barrel is welded (15) to the main to part (16) of the body at a position determined by the extension of the source towards the distal end (17) of the barrel when the cover is open, the welding position being determined by a plug (18) simulating the cap and its bush.

Abstract: A neonatal colorimetric carbon dioxide detector has a colorimetric carbon dioxide detector membrane having a pH-sensitive chemical indicator that undergoes colorimetric change in the presence of carbon dioxide. The detector has a patient orifice in fluid communication with the baby's airway and a respiration equipment orifice connected to a breathing system. The patient orifice is connected to a breathing tube and when the breathing tube is inserted correctly into the trachea, as the baby exhales, carbon dioxide interacts with the colorimetric membrane which changes color based upon the concentration of carbon dioxide. The internal volume of the neonatal colorimetric carbon dioxide detector is reduced to properly function with low-birth-weight (neonatal) infants.

Abstract: A canister dosage indicator device for counting the number of doses dispensed from a canister. The device features a canister holder having a canister holding portion disposed at the top end and a diaphragm below the canister holding portion. The diaphragm can move between multiple positions including a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein pressing of a canister in the canister holding portion of compresses the diaphragm to the engaged position. Electrical contacts are disposed on the diaphragm wherein when the diaphragm is in the engaged position the electrical contacts physically contact. A digital counter circuit is connected to the electrical contacts. When the diaphragm moves to the engaged position the count of the digital counter circuit increases by one. A display displays the count of the digital counter circuit.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus that includes an endotracheal tube or airway device having a proximal end and a distal end and an occlusion cuff. The occlusion cuff includes a sensor for helping determine proper endotracheal or airway device placement.

Abstract: A gas meter for ultrasound measurements in a breathing apparatus has a gas conduit having an inner wall defining an inlet in a first end of the gas conduit and an outlet in a second end of the gas conduit, and an ultrasound transducer arrangement configured to measure the speed of sound in a gas flowing through a part of said gas conduit forming a measurement chamber. The gas meter has a self-draining design to prevent condensation water and other liquids from negatively affecting the ultrasound measurements. To this end, at least a lower surface of the inner wall of the gas conduit is inclined downwardly relative to the horizontal plane in the longitudinal direction of the gas conduit, at both sides of the measurement chamber causing condensation water to be pulled away from the measurement chamber by gravity.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for modified air delivery. A formable mask having an oxygen supply port and exhaled air removal components for the delivery of modified air to a user. An oxygen delivery system uses the formable mask and oxygen supply components. Oxygen supply components include a flow rate throttling valve and an O2 reservoir to conserve O2 use and insure O2 availability to a patient. The system modifies the air for delivery using an air modification module to condition the air for delivery of aerosolized particles to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring motion parameters of an object are described in the present disclosure. In one embodiment among many, a sensor, coupled to a housing, senses motion associated with the housing and provides a sensor output based on the sensed motion. A processing device receives the sensor output, accumulates counts associated with the sensor output, and provides an output once a threshold associated with the accumulated counts is reached. A vibrotactile device, that receives the output from the processing device, provides a haptic output in response to the output from the processing device. In one embodiment among many, a toothbrush is described as a monitoring mechanism for monitoring a plurality of brush strokes that a user executes with the toothbrush. The monitoring mechanism is incorporated in the handle of the toothbrush. The monitoring mechanism may be used to provide an alert once a sufficient number of brush strokes is achieved.

Abstract: A dose counter for a fluid dispenser device, said counter including a first rotary counter element (410) forming a units wheel, and a second rotary counter element (420) forming a tens wheel, said first counter element (410) co-operating with an actuator member (430) that is adapted to cause said first counter element (410) to turn each time said actuator member (430) is actuated, said first rotary counter element (410) including means (418, 419) that are adapted to cause said second counter element (420) to turn on every tenth actuation of said actuator member (430), said actuator member (430) including an opening that is mounted in rotary manner on said pivot pin (461), a substantially rigid and substantially rectilinear tab (431) extending radially from said opening, said tab (431) co-operating with the first counter element (410) on each actuation, said tab (431) being extended on the other side of said pivot pin by a substantially rigid and substantially rectilinear portion, that is itself connected to a

Abstract: A dose counter for counting the number of doses of fluid or powder that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed from a fluid dispenser device, said counter including a first rotary counter element (110) forming a units wheel, and a second rotary counter element (120) forming a tens wheel, said first and second counter elements co-operating with each other to define and to display, in a viewing window, said number of doses, said first counter element co-operating with an actuator member (130) that is adapted to cause said first counter element to turn each time said actuator member is actuated, said counter including an intermediate rotary element (140) that is adapted to cause said second counter element to turn on every tenth actuation of said actuator member, said first and second counter elements turning about a common first pivot pin (161), and said intermediate element turning about a second pivot pin (162) that is offset and parallel to said first pivot pin.

Abstract: An airway adapter comprising a flow channel configured to carry a respiratory gas, and a body comprising a surface at least partially coated with a luminophore that is excited by received radiation, wherein the luminophore emits luminescent radiation indicative of oxygen concentration of the respiratory gas when the luminophore is in contact with the respiratory gas, wherein the body comprises a transparent radiation path surrounded by the surface, the body being configured to guide at least one of the received radiation and the luminescent radiation emitted by the luminophore.

Abstract: This document provides devices and systems for monitoring the flow of breathing-gases through a gas delivery cannula. For example, in one aspect, this document provides a light, such as an LED, which is illuminated to indicate gas flow. The LED can be powered by an inline turbine or paddlewheel that is configured to harvest kinetic power from the gas and transform that kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a positive airway pressure (PAP) system with a head mounted harness assembly with a housing and a head position sensor located within or secured to the housing that detects the position of a patient's head, and communicates this head position information to a controller of the system which may be disposed within the housing having the position sensor or a second housing. The controller varies the output pressure of the pressure source, e.g. a rotary compressor, based, at least in part, on the head position information provided by the head position sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is an accelerometer.

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

Abstract: An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of metered dosages that have been dispensed from or remain in a container including a base member, a cap member moveably connected to the base member, an indicator member rotatably mounted to one of the cap member and base member and a drive member. The indicator member comprises a first stop member, and the drive member comprises a second stop member. The first stop member engages the second stop member as the indicator is moved to the final position. The engagement between the first and second stop members prevents the drive member from being rotated about the second axis. In another preferred embodiment, an inhalation device for dispensing metered dosages of medicaments from a container includes a container having a predetermined number of metered doses and the indicating device. A method for indicating the number of metered dosages of medicaments dispensed from or remaining in the container is also provided.

Abstract: An oscillating positive expiratory pressure apparatus having a housing defining a chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, a deformable restrictor member positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and an oscillation member disposed within the chamber. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member are moveable between an engaged position, where the oscillation member is in contact with the deformable restrictor member and an disengaged position, where the oscillation member is not in contact with the deformable restrictor member. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member move from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to a first exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet, and move from the disengaged position to an engaged position in response to a second exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a positive airway pressure (PAP) system with a head mounted harness assembly with a housing and a head position sensor located within or secured to the housing that detects the position of a patient's head, and communicates this head position information to a controller of the system which may be disposed within the housing having the position sensor or a second housing. The controller varies the output pressure of the pressure source, e.g. a rotary compressor, based, at least in part, on the head position information provided by the head position sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is an accelerometer.

Abstract: A breathing assistance system with functionality for detecting the existence of a fault condition may include a pressure detector, a flow detector and a fault detection system. The pressure detector may take pressure measurements, each measurement including a measurement of a gas flow rate in the breathing assistance system. The flow detector may take flow rate measurements, each flow rate measurement including a measurement of has flow rate in the breathing assistance system. The fault detection system may process the pressure measurements and/or flow rate measurements to determine the existence of a fault condition associated with the breathing assistance system.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying a pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics drug model for a patient is provided. A monitor is arranged to detect a quantity of anesthetic agent provided to a patient by an anesthesia machine. A display is provided for displaying real-time pharmacokinetics data associated with the quantity of anesthetic agent provided to the patient. Safety control means are provided to initiate the display of real-time pharmacokinetics data for the anesthetic agent only when a predetermined threshold value for the anesthetic agent is detected by the monitor. Alternately, control means are adapted to terminate display of real-time pharmacokinetics data for the anesthetic agent when a predetermined threshold value for the anesthetic agent is detected by the monitor.

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

Abstract: A system and method of automatic delivery of appropriate flow rate of oxygen to a person flying in a pressurized aircraft cabin is disclosed. In one embodiment, an adaptable demand dilution oxygen regulator for use inside a pressurized aircraft cabin, includes an oxygen initiation and demand regulation system adapted to be responsive to differential gas pressure in a first altitude range based on a pulmonary capacity of a person flying in the pressurized aircraft cabin and to control flow of pressurized oxygen to a breathing outlet during the first altitude range. The adaptable demand dilution oxygen regulator further includes a cabin air dilution and delivery system, coupled to the oxygen initiation and demand regulation system, adapted to be responsive to differential gas pressure in a second altitude range and to output progressively enriched mixture till 100% pressurized oxygen into a breathing apparatus during the second altitude range.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dispensing apparatus for delivering metered doses of product from a pressurised dispensing container comprising: a housing comprising a body portion and a removable mouthpiece, the body portion containing a dose counting mechanism and a sleeve; the body portion comprising an aperture through which said pressurised dispensing container can pass to be received in the sleeve but through which the sleeve is unable to pass such that the sleeve is retained within the body portion; the sleeve being located in the body portion such that an upper end of said pressurised dispensing container when received in the sleeve is accessible to allow actuation of said pressurised dispensing container; the apparatus comprising means for retaining said pressurised dispensing container in the body portion.

Abstract: A pressure support system configured to deliver a pressurized flow of breathable gas to the airway of a subject is further configured to provide information to a user position, fit or seal between the subject and the patient interface through which the pressurized flow of breathable gas is delivered. Such information may include, for example, a location on the patient interface at which the integrity of the seal is compromised, adjustments that could be made by the subject to enhance the interface between the patient interface and the subject, different types and/or sizes of patient interfaces that could be used to enhance the fit and seal between the system and the subject, and/or other information.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including: a body (1) incorporating a dispenser orifice (5); a reservoir (10) containing the fluid; and a dispenser member (15), such as a metering valve or pump, for selectively dispensing the fluid contained in the reservoir (10), the device also including a dose indicator having an electronic display the display including a permanent display member (21) that does not require any energy in order to keep the display unchanged, and that requires only a small amount of energy in order to change the display.

Abstract: An inhaler comprising: a body; at least one cover element that is movable between a closed position and an open position; individual reservoirs formed on a reservoir substrate; movable support means that receive said reservoir substrate and that are displaceable between a non-dispensing position and a dispensing position; and an indicator device for indicating doses that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed, said indicator device comprising: a rotary indicator element that supports indicator means, such as numbers, colors, and/or symbols; and an actuator that co-operates with said movable support means so as to cause said rotary indicator element to turn when said movable support means return from the dispensing position to the non-dispensing position.

Abstract: An application for a neonatal calorimetric carbon dioxide detector has a calorimetric carbon dioxide detector membrane having a pH-sensitive chemical indicator that undergoes calorimetric change in the presence of carbon dioxide. The detector has a patient orifice in fluid communication with the baby's airway and a respiration equipment orifice connected to a breathing system. The patient orifice is connected to a breathing tube and when the breathing tube is inserted correctly into the trachea, as the baby exhales, carbon dioxide interacts with the calorimetric membrane which changes color based upon the concentration of carbon dioxide. The neonatal calorimetric carbon dioxide detector adds a volume of less than or equal to 1 mL after being attached to a breathing circuit.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in sidestream gas sampling assembly. The filter assembly of the present invention includes a hydrophilic. The filter further includes a Hydrophobic member positioned downstream of the hydrophilic liner. The hydrophobic disk acts as a second line of defense against moisture reaching the sensing mechanism member that is constructed from a porous material and is situated such that gas entering the filter assembly passes through at least a portion the hydrophilic member. In a further embodiment, the filter includes a hydrophobic member positioned downstream of the hydrophilic member. The hydrophobic member acts as a second line of defense against moisture reaching the sensing mechanism in the gas sampling assembly.

Abstract: A gas therapy system involves sensing the blood gas concentration of the patient and adapting a gas therapy based on the sensed gas concentration. Disordered breathing may be detected bases on blood gas concentration, and gas or cardiac electrical therapy may be adapted to treat the detected disordered breathing. One or more of sensing the blood gas concentration, detecting disordered breathing, or adapting the therapy may be performed at least in part implantably. The gas therapy is delivered to the patient through an external respiratory device, such as a positive airway pressure device.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring a therapy device, for example, an anesthesia device or a respirator, is provided by which an alarm device for triggering an alarm when the value drops beyond a warning limit (4) is automatically activated when a determined therapy parameter drops beyond this warning limit (4). The warning limit (4) is set automatically in this case. In addition, a therapy device monitored by the monitoring device and especially an anesthesia device as well as a respirator are provided. A process for triggering an alarm as well as a process for treating a patient is also provided.

Abstract: A positive oscillatory expiratory air pressure respiratory therapy device which is adapted to receive a nebulizer for administering aerosolized medicant for selective administration during oscillatory positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy.

Abstract: A nasal cannula, for supplying a respiratory gas to a patient, comprising: a pair of spaced apart supply lines which each have a head at one end thereof with a discharge opening therein. The opposite end of each supply line is connectable to a respiratory gas source. Each head is sized to be snugly received and retained within one of the nasal cavities of the patient while forming a sufficient leakage passage, between a portion of inwardly facing nasal cavity skin of a patient and a portion of an exterior surface of the head, to facilitate exhausting of any excess respiratory gas supplied to the patient through the leakage passage and also facilitate inhalation of any room air required in excess of the respiratory gas to be supplied to the patient.

Abstract: A low flow heated/humidified respiratory gas delivery system, especially useful for low flow rates as preferred in the treatment of neonate and other such patients, wherein the respiratory gas is heated and humidified as desired for delivery to the patient and the temperature is monitored at the point of delivery to the patient.