Abstract: A method for controlling a DAP system is provided that includes calculating a user seal interface height based on an estimated user height, and based thereon determining an attachment carriage height and a usage carriage height different than the user seal interface height. The method also includes driving powered vertical lifts to raise each carriage to an attachment position at the attachment carriage height while the user is in the DAP system through the top opening including raising about the user the seal frame attached to the carriages and thereby raising the top opening attached to the seal frame, and also controlling the lifts to retain the attachment position during user seal attachment and confirming the attachment. Responsive to confirming, the method includes driving the lifts to move each carriage to a usage position at the usage carriage height and inflating the enclosure to an unweighting.

Abstract: An inflatable unweighting enclosure for an exercise device is provided formed from a pair of opposing sheets attached to each other by a seam along a closed shape at their perimeter portions, each of which has a top region, an opposite base region, and central region. A trim path interrupts each articulated shape at the base region that defines a perimeter of a base opening for the enclosure when inflated, in which the base and base opening are substantially planar and the base perimeter defines an enclosure inlet. When inflated, the pair of flexible sheets expand laterally apart to define an enclosure inner space and form an elongate, disc-shaped structure interrupted by the base opening. The base opening attaches to a base support of the exercise device, which is shaped and sized to orient and support the enclosure vertically for providing unweighting to a user attached to a top opening.

Abstract: Provided is a G tolerance improvement device provided with: an estimation unit that estimates either or both of a body fluid volume in the head of a user and a change amount of the body fluid volume; and a pressurization unit that applies pressure to the user on the basis of either or both of the body fluid volume and the change amount estimated by the estimation unit.

Abstract: A method and device for reducing the damaging effects of a blast or concussive event includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during the incidence of the concussive event. Reducing blood out flow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood out flow further increases the intracranial pressure, and thereby increases the pressure of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column. In addition, increasing intracranial pressure reduces the likelihood of brain injury and any associated loss of olfactory function.

Abstract: A method and device for reducing the damaging effects of a blast or concussive event includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during the incidence of the concussive event. Reducing blood out flow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood out flow further increases the intracranial pressure, and thereby increases the pressure of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column. In addition, increasing intracranial pressure reduces the likelihood of brain injury and any associated loss of olfactory function.

Abstract: A first embodiment can be a device comprising a means to reduce SLOSH energy absorption in a fluid containing organism by reducing the flow of one or more outflow vessels of the cranium by compressing said vessels.

Abstract: An impeller for a pump is disclosed herein. The impeller can include a hub having a fixed end and a free end. The impeller can also have a plurality of blades supported by the hub. Each blade can have a fixed end coupled to the hub and a free end. The impeller can have a stored configuration and a deployed configuration, the blades in the deployed configuration extending away from the hub, and the blades in the stored configuration being compressed against the hub.

Abstract: An applicator for delivering brachytherapy includes elongate members movable between collapsed and expanded configurations for delivering brachytherapy within a lumpectomy cavity, a vaginal cavity, or other target region. The elongate members may be expandable into a symmetrical or asymmetrical expanded configuration, e.g., into a generally spherical, pear-shaped, or planar configuration. A system for delivering brachytherapy includes the applicator and an access device for lining and/or dilating a body cavity and/or for receiving the applicator therein. The access device is advanced into a body cavity, an expandable member on the access device is inflated, the applicator is advanced into the access device, and the elongate members are expanded to deliver radiation to the target region.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems and devices to monitor vascular volume status during renal replacement therapy utilizing at least one oximetry/photoplethysmography sensor. The methods, systems and devices provide an alternative to conventional vascular volume monitoring methods during renal replacement therapy while enabling reliable, non-invasive, and automatic monitoring of vascular volume to avert patient hypotension. The methods, systems and devices may be employed in the context of both inpatient and outpatient dialysis facilities and may also be incorporated into conventional hemodialysis and hemofiltration techniques and equipment.

Abstract: A pumping system for assisting the circulatory system of a patient, wherein the system includes a rotary flow blood pump by a first cannula connected to a portion of the left side of the heart and a second cannula connected to the aorta; and characterised in that the pumping speed of said pump is adjusted in accordance with measurements from a pressure sensor mounted in or on an inner wall of a portion of the left side of the heart.

Abstract: A system is provided by applying pressure to a portion of a body of an individual in a chamber having an aperture along a vertical axis for receiving the portion of the body of the individual. A pressure sensor is coupled to the chamber for measuring a pressure inside the chamber. A negative feedback control system, calibrates, adjusts and maintains the pressure inside the chamber.

Abstract: A hyperbaric capsule has a base forming a seat that can be enclosed by an elongate oval canopy having a large transparent window formed therein. The bottom of the front of the canopy is pivotally attached to the front of the base by a hinge assembly and can be locked in the closed position on the base by a plurality of latches that are conjointly operated by an external lever and an internal lever. The weight of the canopy upon opening is borne by a pair of side gas or spring struts.

Abstract: A fluid control valve for use in a system for inflating an anti-G garment. The valve includes an elongate chamber in which a valve member is moveable. The chamber has first and second axial ends. An inlet opening in a chamber wall provides for the flow of fluid into the chamber. A valve edge is provided at the second end of the chamber to form an outlet. The valve member has a first portion which closes the first chamber end and is moveable in the chamber between the inlet opening and the first chamber end, an intermediate portion which has a cross sectional area less than that of the chamber wall to permit the inflow of fluid to the chamber, and a second portion including a flow control device which co-operates with the valve edge to control fluid flow from the valve.

Abstract: The invention enables testing of nearly all aircrew equipment including COMBAT EDGE system components which include a mask, a G-suit, communication systems, and a goggle. A gas system includes an input filter, a first compressor comprising at least one blower, preferably three blowers connected in series, a second compressor, a first flow sensor, a second flow sensor, a first flow valve, a second flow valve, a regulator, a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, a first pressure valve, a second pressure valve, and a controller. The second compressor produces a lower flow at a higher pressure than the first compressor. When the G-suit inflates, initially there is a large change in volume without much change in pressure, and then, as the G-suit fills and becomes firm, the change in volume slows down and the rate of the pressure increases. A normal breathing test, a preflight test, a fit test, a G-suit leak test and two dynamic flow leak tests are conducted.

Abstract: A self-contained pack assembly includes all of the disposable components of an extracorporeal support circuit for cardiac bypass surgery. The pack assembly comprises a blood reservoir, a blood oxygenator, and a carrier for vertically mounting the blood reservoir and blood oxygenator. Trays may be releasably attached to the carrier to serve as containers for coiled tubing used in the support circuit.

Abstract: An anti-G system is used to combat the push-pull effect experienced by airmen during and after a transition from a period of low or negative G force levels to high G force levels. The anti-G system includes an anti-G controller configured to receive signals indicative of airman acceleration and anti-G garment pressure. The anti-G controller is coupled to a valve controller controlling fill and vent valves controlling the pressure level in the anti-G garment. As the anti-G controller receives acceleration signals indicating G force levels over time, the controller calculates whether the anti-G garment pressure should be increased or decreased and transmits signals to the valve controller to increase or decrease anti-G garment pressure. Increasing the anti-G garment pressure compensates for the airman's loss of tolerance to high G levels immediately after exposure to a period of low or negative G levels.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a laser beam to a surgery situs while providing a live video presentation of the surgery situs. The present invention comprises a laser source, preferably CO2, which is attached to an articulated arm having a zoom assembly. A laser head assembly has an adjustable reflection mirror for directing the laser beam to the surgery situs, and a camera with a plurality of lenses to capture the image of the surgery situs. The reflection mirror lies within in the path of the camera lens, but by adjusting the focal point lenses, the image is captured and displayed on a monitor. A light source illuminates the surgery site to provide sufficient lighting for the image capture.

Abstract: A self-contained pack assembly includes all of the disposable components of an extracorporeal support circuit for cardiac bypass surgery. The pack assembly comprises a blood reservoir, a blood oxygenator, and a carrier for vertically mounting the blood reservoir and blood oxygenator. Trays may be releasably attached to the carrier to serve as containers for coiled tubing used in the support circuit.

Abstract: A valve assembly including an actuator and a valve, the valve including a valve body having first and second ports and a valve seat between the first and second ports, a valve member carried on a valve stem and the valve stem being moveable to move the valve member at least one of into or out of engagement with the valve seat to prevent or permit communication between the first and second ports and wherein the actuator includes a stepper motor the rotational movement of which is converted to linear movement of the valve stem by a transmission, the transmission being adapted to maintain the valve stem in a position to which it is moved by the operation of the actuator whereby the transmission means is a non back-derivable transmission.

Abstract: A multi-function health device is provided that includes a gas inflatable short clothes, a gas inflatable short trousers, and at least one pair of gas inflatable tubes connected to gas transmission tubes. The user may selectably wear gas inflation tubes on the user's arms or legs, or the gas inflation tubes are used in combination with the gas inflatable short clothes or gas inflatable short trousers.

Abstract: A method of controlling a fluid in a life support system including at least one of a G-suit and a counterpressure garment including utilizing a control system comprising a control valve having a moveable part which is moved by an actuator in response to an input to the control system to operate the valve to bring a parameter of the fluid towards a desired value, the input being conditioned to provide a control signal to cause the actuator to move the moveable part of the valve and wherein the method comprises conditioning the input by comparing the input with reference information relating to the position of the moveable part of the valve, and when the comparison indicates that the position of the moveable part of the valve is not at a desired position, issuing the control signal incrementally to move the moveable part and updating the reference information so that the updated reference information is available for future comparison with the input.

Abstract: Methods are provided for conducting surgical procedures in a patient wherein, during the surgical procedure, autonomous ventricular electrical conductivity and escape beats are reversibly and transiently suppressed to facilitate the surgical procedure. Also provided are compositions which are capable of inducing ventricular asystole in a patient. The compositions may include an AV node blocker. In one embodiment, compositions including an atrioventricular (AV) node blocker and a .beta.-blocker are provided, wherein the .beta.-blocker is present in an amount sufficient to substantially reduce the amount of AV node blocker required to induce ventricular asystole in the patient. The compositions and methods may be used for inducing temporary ventricular asystole in a beating heart, and to facilitate the performance of a variety of surgical techniques, including minimally invasive microsurgical techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a wearer against positive acceleration comprises:a trouser having inflatable pockets and a control unit having an outlet communicating with the pockets, an inlet communicating with a source of pressurized gas and an inertia body for sensing acceleration. The control unit inflates the pockets with pressurized gas under a pressure which increases responsive to positive acceleration according to a predetermined law when the positive acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold higher than 1 g and modifies the predetermined law following detection of a degree of acceleration which is negative or lower than another threshold lower than 1 g.

Abstract: A blood handling system has a first blood handling apparatus mounted on a second blood handling apparatus with a mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus has two primary components: a retention sleeve attached to a stem that protrudes from the lower portion of the first blood handling apparatus; and a slotted plate that is attached to a stem on the second blood handling apparatus. The retention sleeve has a track for receiving the slotted plate and a flexible tab, with a protruding tooth, that securely engages the slotted plate in a locked position. If it becomes necessary to disconnect the first blood handling apparatus from the second blood handling apparatus during surgery, the tab may be easily moved into an unlocked position, allowing the disk to slide freely out of the track so that the units can be easily separated from each other.

Abstract: A facemask incorporating breathing equipment for use with a flying helmet (2) comprises a rigid outer shell (4) in which a flexible face-piece (3) is housed whose periphery makes an airtight seal with the pilot's face (1). The face-piece (3) includes an inhalatory valve (11) and an expiratory vane (9) and the rigid shell (4) is attached to the helmet (2) by a harness (5) which keeps the shell (4) at a fixed distance from the helmet (2). Inflatable means (15, 20) are provided between the shell (4) which are inflated to press the periphery (14) of the face-piece towards the pilot's face when the pressure of breathable gas supplied to the interior of the mask and to said inflatable means increases above that required for normal breathing.

Abstract: Inflating a fighter-pilot's anti-G suit to the correct pressure is facilitated by the pressure regulator design. Using Preview Control, the movement of the control stick is used to predict what the G-force on the aircraft will be in the time ahead. A computer determines what pressure is needed in the suit to safeguard the pilot at that G-force. The size of the air-flow aperture in the regulator is defined by overlapping windows in the housing and rotor of the regulator. The rotor is moved to give the correct overlap by means of a servo motor or stepper motor, which positions the rotor in response to the computer output. The very fast, stable, response of the regulator to the computer input enables the suit pressure to follow the G-forces predicted by Preview Control with great accuracy.

Abstract: An air pressure regulator includes a cylindrical rotor with a hollow interior. The thin walls of the rotor have windows which overlap inlet and exhaust windows in the housing. The rotor is rotated progressively by a stepper motor in response to computer determination of required pressure. The system is used to inflate a pilot's anti-G suit.

Abstract: A heat resistant suit includes an inner garment designed to circulate cooling air against the wearer's body. The inner garment is connected to the cool air output of a vortex carried in a pocket in an outer, heat reflective coverall. A safety bottle is carried in another pocket of the coverall, with the safety bottle connected to a pressure valve which is also connected to an external source of breathing air. The vortex unit is connected to an external air compressor which can also be used to supply filtered, pressure regulated breathing air which is cooled by a second vortex unit. A safety harness is sewn into the coverall, with the safety harness connected to a pull ring attached to the rear of the coverall. The outer coverall is preferably constructed of KEVLAR cloth to which an external aluminum reflective coating is applied.

Abstract: An automatic stool and urine disposing apparatus provides disposal even if a patient is unconscious or is disabled, without requiring the help of a care taker. This apparatus is composed of a wearing section, a disposal device installed in an aperture in the wearing section, a washing device incorporated in the disposal device, and a driving section for operating the device. The wearing section includes a disposing device having a fan operated by a motor, a water detecting sensor, a discharge aperture, and washing water and air supply holes. Also attached to the wearing section is an inflatable pressing tube which prevents leakage. The driving section includes relays for operating the disposing device in response to the presence of material to be disposed.

Abstract: An advanced aircrew protection system comprising a helmet assembly adapted to sustain a full pneumatic pressure within the helmet adjacent to the head of the wearer; a suit assembly adapted to sustain a pressure adjacent to selected parts of the body of the wearer; a neck shroud operatively coupled with the helmet assembly and the suit assembly and adapted to pneumatically isolate the helmet assembly from the suit assembly; and controller adapted to independently supply fluid under pressure to the helmet assembly and to the suit assembly. Within the helmet is a dual compartment for an independent supply of fluid to an oral nasal mask separate from the remainder of the helmet assembly.

Abstract: Inflation pressure of an aircrew G-suit is set by a servo-pressure which controls movement of inflation gas supply and vent valves 126 and 127, respectively. Servo-pressure is regulated by a torque motor controlled valve 124, 125 which receives a servo-demand signal from an electronic control unit (ECU) 123. The ECU receives an inflation pressure demand signal P.sub.DEM from an aircraft systems computer 120 which stores schedules of G-suit inflation pressure against increasing acceleration and decreasing cabin ambient pressure. The computer is programmed to look-up and output the higher one of values for inflation pressure dependent upon values of acceleration signals G.sub.Z and cabin ambient pressure signals P.sub.AMB input to the computer by sensors 121 and 122, respectively. The ECU compares an existing G-suit inflation pressure P.sub.

Abstract: A conventional mass-spring inertially controlled anti-G suit valve is modified by adding a first electrically actuated solenoid over the mass and valve spindle and a second electrically actuated solenoid over an anti-G suit exhaust port added to the modified anti-G suit valve. The first solenoid can override the inertial valve to begin filling the anti-G suit before acceleration begins. The second solenoid controls a piston to control the exhaust from the anti-G suit to achieve more precise control over the pressure inside the anti-G suit than previously possible. This precise control allows realization of other improvements suggested by the prior art which need precise control of anti-G suit pressures. Pressure transducers can be added to the anti-G suit to provide a feedback signal to a valve controller for the two solenoid valves. The feedback control loop allows the use of less expensive cost, less accurate solenoid valves.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus, for rotating immobilized subhuman primate animal test subjects about one or more axes according to a preselected sequence to simulate weightlessness and to minimize trauma during simulated zero or micro-gravity studies is disclosed. The method includes intermittent rotation of the test subject ninety degrees every thirty minutes about an axis parallel to both the spine of the test animal and to the ground, and intermittent rotation of the test subject forty-five degrees every three to five minutes about each of two axes. The method is performed using a timed roto-positioning apparatus having a frame, a subframe rotatably attached to the frame, and a carrier for a primate restraint system rotatably attached to the subframe. Two motors, controlled by a programmable controller, individually rotate the subframe and the carrier according to a preselected sequence.

Abstract: A device providing physiological protection of aircraft pilots against the effects of altitude and accelerations includes a source of oxygen; a chest jacket fitted with at least one inflation bladder connected to a pressure reducing valve installed on a source of gas under pressure by a pipe; an oxygen mask connected to a source of oxygen by a conduit and a pressure reducing valve. The anti-g trousers include at least one inflation bladder connected to a pressure reducing valve, the bladder being mounted on a source of gas under pressure. The device further includes a mechanism to detect accelerations which delivers a signal representative of the acceleration. The device is characterized by a deformable volume located inside the inflating bladder of the chest jacket connecting the mask to the source of oxygen.

Abstract: A method and exercise device using air pressure to apply a high force to the body is provided. The force, although not gravity, resembles gravity in its influence on the musculoskeletal mechanics of locomotion because of the method of application (air pressure), and point of application (centroid of cross-section of waist/hip area), and constant, controllable magnitude (regulated by the level of the pressure difference). The device also has possible wide applications on Earth in the areas of high performance athletic training and rehabilitation of trauma victims, low level paraplegics, orthopaedic hip implant recipients, and as a general exercice aid for elderly.

Abstract: A physiological antigravitational system for use in modern avionics to prevent a pilot from becoming unconscious, or developing related conditions, and includes a crew member G-suit for use for pressurization of the crew during flight, the suit incorporating a pressurization source for use with the G-suit for varying the degree of pressure generated within it during application, a controller microcomputer that regulates the varying of the pressurization source during flight, based on monitored changes in cerebral blood flow velocity, and force detectors responsive to the G-forces and operatively associated with the microcomputer to provide signals requiring variations in pressures generated from the pressurization source within the suit.

Abstract: A flexible lower body negative pressure (LBNP) anti-G suit for protecting against the adverse effects of -G.sub.z acceleration is disclosed. Conventional anti-G suits protect against the adverse effects of +G.sub.z acceleration. Accelerations in the negative z direction, -G.sub.z, can also cause adverse physiological effects and, additionally, severely unpleasant subjective sensations. LBNP has been used in the past to alleviate the somewhat similar physiological effects of weightlessness in space. It has also been used with merely limited success to treat various medical problems. The present invention provides an improved LBNP suit that successfully alleviates the adverse physiological and subjective effects of -G.sub.z accelerations. Applying LBNP to an aircrew member increases venous vascular volumes in the lower body and reduces the otherwise increased pressures in the upper cardiovascular system.