Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a bipolar transistor type MEMS pressure sensor and a preparation method thereof. The bipolar transistor type MEMS pressure sensor includes a thin film, a cantilever beam and a bipolar transistor. The bipolar transistor includes a base region, a collector region and an emitter region. The base region is configured to sense deformation of the thin film through a change in resistance value. For the bipolar transistor type MEMS pressure sensor of the disclosure, sensitivity of the sensor can be effectively improved without changing the performance indicators such as the measurement range and nonlinearity. Meanwhile, the bipolar transistor is used as a pressure-sensitive element, so that temperature drift of the sensor can be effectively inhibited.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube monitor and alerting apparatus includes: (i) a passive humidification device; and (ii) an integrated monitoring assembly fitted in an opening of a rear sidewall of the passive humidification device. The passive humidification device is configured to be connected to a connector of a tracheostomy tube of a patient. Once connected, the monitoring assembly of the apparatus can begin measuring one or more physiological parameters, such as, air flow, oxygen level, carbon dioxide level, pressure, and moisture. The measurements are compared against threshold values that denote blockage or decannulation. When these threshold values are surpassed, an alarm is actuated to alert a caregiver that the patient may be experiencing obstruction or decannulation of the tracheostomy tube.

Abstract: A patient communication system having a medical sensing device operable to collect medical data, a network communication module operable to transmit the medical data onto a data network, a controller operable route the first medical sensing data to the network communication module, and a power source operable to provide power to the first medical sensing device, the controller, and the network communication module.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a method and system configured for cough synchronization in a mechanical insufflation-exsufflation system. The system is configured to synchronize (712) the transition from an insufflation mode to an exsufflation mode to a patient initiated cough by detecting cough effort of the patient e.g. at the end of the insufflation phase. The detection of cough effort of the patient is based on one or more parameters associated with gas in the system. Upon detecting that the patient is initiating a cough, the system automatically switches the insufflation mode to the exsufflation mode to assist the patient to generate an effective cough.

Abstract: A patient communication system having a medical sensing device operable to collect medical data, a network communication module operable to transmit the medical data onto a data network, a controller operable route the first medical sensing data to the network communication module, and a power source operable to provide power to the first medical sensing device, the controller, and the network communication module.

Abstract: A flow meter for measuring a flow rate of a fluid may include a cartridge containing certain components such as a flow sensor. The cartridge is removable from the flow meter such that it may be replaced with a new cartridge, allowing calibration of the flow meter while enabling the flow meter to continue to be operated with another cartridge in the place of the removed cartridge. The flow meter may be configured to direct fluid flow away from selected components of the flow meter.

Abstract: A thermal, flow measuring device for determining and/or monitoring a mass flow of a measured medium, comprising a sensor element (1, 11, 21) having a measuring tube (2, 12, 22) with a tube wall (7, 17, 27) and with at least a first and a second temperature sensor element, which are especially embodied as resistance thermometers (3, 13, 23, 33), wherein at least one of the temperature sensor elements is heatable, wherein the measuring tube (2, 12, 22) has a longitudinal axis (A) and a tube contour (8, 18, 28) with a first tube cross section in the end regions of the measuring tube (2, 12, 22), wherein the measuring tube (2, 12, 22) includes a narrowing having a second tube cross section, which differs in form and/or area from the first tube cross section, wherein the narrowing is divided into at least two segments (6, 16, 26), wherein at least one of the segments (6, 16, 26) is angled relative to the longitudinal axis (A) of the measuring tube (2, 12, 22) by an angle (?) of at least 5° and wherein, in each cas

Abstract: A monitor configuration system which communicates with a physiological sensor, the monitor configuration system including one or more processors and an instrument manager module running on the one or more processors. At least one of the one or more processors communicates with the sensor and calculates at least one physiological parameters responsive to the sensor. The instrument manager controls the calculation, display and/or alarms based upon the physiological parameters. A configuration indicator identifies the configuration profile. In one aspect of the invention, the physiological sensor is a optical sensor that includes at least one light emitting diode and at least one detector.

Abstract: A method performed by an apparatus for inducing a sound sleep to induce a sound sleep of an object who is sleeping includes: determining a first wake-up time of the object based on schedule information of the object; receiving bio-information of the object; determining a sleep state of the object from the bio-information of the object; changing the first wake-up time to a second wake-up time by taking into account the sleep state of the object; and outputting a wake-up alarm signal at the second wake-up time.

Abstract: The invention provides an inhalation device using an electrically driven vibratory element for releasing a drug dose into a flow channel, and a controller for activating/deactivating the vibratory element. A sensor arrangement is able to differentiate between inhalation flow and exhalation flow through the flow channel, to assist in forming a model of the breathing pattern of the user. The device can detect reliably inhalation flow patterns from patients of all ages.

Abstract: A health risk assessment device includes a mouthpiece, a flow path in fluid communication with the mouthpiece, a sensor disposed in the flow path and configured to generate a representation of a spirometric parameter of air flow in the flow path exhaled by a user through the mouthpiece, a user interface configured to allow the user to provide user profile data including smoking history data, and a processor coupled to the sensor and the user interface and configured to determine an output indicative of a risk that the user develops a respiratory, cardiopulmonary, or cardiovascular disease based on the spirometric parameter representation and the smoking history data.

Abstract: A patient communication system having a medical sensing device operable to collect medical data, a network communication module operable to transmit the medical data onto a data network, a controller operable route the first medical sensing data to the network communication module, and a power source operable to provide power to the first medical sensing device, the controller, and the network communication module.

Abstract: A medical sensing system including a data acquisition module operable to receive patient data from a medical sensing device, the data acquisition module being operable to packetize the patient data, a processing module operable to process the packetized first patient data, a user interface module operable to present the processed packetized patient data within a graphical user interface, and a message queue module in communication with the data acquisition module, processing module, and user interface module, the message queue module being operable to receive the packetized patient data from the modules, temporarily store the packetized patient data, and make the packetized patient data available for retrieval by the modules.

Abstract: The invention provides a probe for a flowmeter which can be employed in various flow measuring devices utilizing semiconductor or ceramic thermistors. The invention comprises an apparatus for determining the fluid flow rate of a liquid passing through a conduit made of a material having a low thermal conductivity, comprising a probe disposed at least partially inside the wall of the conduit, part of the probe being substantially aligned with an inner surface of the wall, the probe being operationally connected to a control and display unit. The probe comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) on which at least two thermistors are mounted; an upstream thermistor serving for baseline measurements and a spaced apart downstream self-heated thermistor. The control and display unit repeatedly measuring the electrical resistance of the thermistors to generate signals which are electronically processed by the control and display unit to indicate flow rates.

Abstract: With an evaluation device, a sleep level of a person being measured is discriminated based on a signal input from a body motion sensor. With the evaluation device, when a go-to-bed button is operated at time T3, time T3 is stored as the go-to-bed time. When a good-night button is operated at time T4, discrimination of sleep level is started. Thereafter, when the good-night button again is operated at time T5, the discrimination of sleep level ends.

Abstract: A biological signal measuring apparatus includes: a pressure sensor which measures a pressure in a living body; a respiratory sensor which measures respiratory information; and an outputting unit which detects an end-tidal based on the respiratory information measured by the respiratory sensor and which outputs a pressure value based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor when detecting the end-tidal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for delivery of nitric oxide to the upper respiratory tract without resulting in nitric oxide delivery to the lungs. In certain embodiments, the invention comprises the use of a flow sensor to sense the exhalation of the subject, and delivering a nitric oxide containing gas upon sensed exhalation.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for enabling the acquisition of physiological parameters of a mammal or other specimen using thermo-mechanical responses (e.g., temperature, pressure and alternatively acceleration, pulse, position). In accordance with one example embodiment, a monitoring device for wired and/or wireless sensors is used to acquire a series of sensor signals that are attached to achieve the physiological measurements of a mammal vital signs is provided. The device includes a Temperature-Pressure (T-P) sensor configured to attach to respiration, vascular pressure and audio points of the mammal in a manner suitable for obtaining the acquired individual sensor electrical signal. The sensor system is configured to attach to alternative locations of the specimen in a manner suitable for obtaining electrical signals in communication with a signal receiver and transmitter. Physiological parameters, such as those associated with vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, etc.

Abstract: The accurate measurement of inspired and expired gas volume flow and gas composition are important in respiratory therapy. Combining the two measurement functions often results in excessive deadspace and/or in the two measurement systems adversely affecting each other. The invention provides a gas flow sensor (19) for a ventilator comprising: a flow path (22) extending between a first end that connects to a supply of gas and a second end that couples to a patient airway interface; and a constant temperature anemometer sensor (23) arranged within the flow path between those ends. It further comprises a sampling port (5) that may be coupled to a gas analyser device; and an orifice (24) which is in fluid communication with the flow path and the sampling port so that in use gas may be drawn from the flow path (22) for analysis, the gas being drawn from the flow path at a position located between the anemometer sensor and the first end.

Abstract: A medical device may include a patient interface for use in a breathing assistance system, an electronic device coupled to the patient interface, and one or more electrical conductors at least partially integrated with the patient interface. The patient interface may include a connection end configured for receiving gas communicated by a gas delivery apparatus, and a patient end configured for insertion into or more breathing passageways of a patient. The one or more electrical conductors at least partially integrated with the patient interface may be capable of facilitating communication of electrical signals between the electronic device and the gas delivery apparatus when the patient interface is communicatively coupled to the gas delivery apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spirometer for measuring pulmonary respiration of a test subject, comprising a body and a sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit can be interchanged with further sensor units. In a corresponding method, such a spirometer is operated with a sensor unit and the sensor unit is subsequently interchangeably replaced by a further sensor unit.

Abstract: A system and method for sleep monitoring, diagnosing and sensing temperature and pressure for a breathing cycle of a patient including a sensing device suitable for both nasal and oral breath monitoring for measuring respiratory air wave and airflow information during a sleep apnea diagnostic session and processing the acquired air wave and airflow breathing information for input to conventional polysomnography equipment.

Abstract: A device (1) and a corresponding method are provided for determining and/or monitoring the respiration rate based on measurement with more than one sensor (5, 7, 9, 13, 15). The device may be part of a monitor for determining and/or monitoring the respiration rate. The second and/or additional sensors are different form the first sensor and have a different manor of operation from the first sensor.

Abstract: An intelligent medical vigilance system that observes and analyzes, and, only in the event of a clinically significant negative condition, notifies and reports the event to the care staff utilizing the hospital's existing nurse call system. The device includes a bedside unit connected to a pad or coverlet with a sensor array (placed under the patient) and also to an existing hospital nurse call system via an interface. The bedside unit is a wall-mounted unit with a display that becomes active when an alarm condition is enabled. Vigilance alarms are suspended if a patient is detected out of bed. An unable-to-measure alert is provided if the system is unable to reliably monitor. An alert message is generated and maintained on the display screen to inform a responding caregiver of the time and reason for any alarm.

Abstract: Methods and devices to determine rate of particle production and the size range for the particles produced for an individual are described herein. The device (10) contains a mouthpiece (12), a filter (14), a low resistance one-way valve (16), a particle counter (20) and a computer (30). Optionally, the device also contains a gas flow meter (22). The data obtained using the device can be used to determine if a formulation for reducing particle exhalation should be administered to an individual.

Abstract: A neonatal feeding tube (10) includes electronics and instrumentation for monitoring a neonate and for provides nourishment to the neonate. The tube (10) includes electrodes (20) for sensing ECG signals of the neonate. Thermistors (22, 24, 28, 30) are placed at various points along the tube (10) to measure the neonate's temperature at those points. Breathing effort is measured by calculating a pressure differential at two pressure ports (32, 34). Pulse and SpO2 are measured at a fiber optic window (35). The electrodes (20), a distal electrode (64) and a light source (66) aid in helping a caregiver position the tip (12) of the tube (10) correctly in the stomach of the neonate.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the breathing status of a patient comprises a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is arranged to measure the temperature of the breathing gas of a patient. The second temperature sensor is arranged to measure an ambient temperature of the patient's surroundings. A controller is included, wherein the controller is programmed to determine a plurality of breathing-gas temperatures over time by way of a first signal received from the first temperature sensor and at least one ambient temperature using a second signal received from the second temperature sensor. The controller is programmed to analyze the plurality of breathing-gas temperatures and the at least one ambient temperature to determine a breathing status of the patient. The present invention may be embodied as a method for monitoring the breathing status of a patient.

Abstract: A respiration monitoring device configured to provide quantitative data output of respiration cycles of a human or animal. The device may be configured to output a respiration rate and/or a respiration waveform expressed as temperature verses time. The device comprises a temperature modifier to heat or cool a flow of exhaled air. This heated or cooled air then flows past a temperature sensor to determine a temperature change associated with each exhaled air cycle.

Abstract: Humidity profiles of exhaled air of individuals obtained using a sensor to detect water vapor content or temperature versus time of exhalation may exhibit an irregularity indicative of a space-occupying respiratory system lesion. Detection of such irregularities provides an inexpensive and rapid means of pre-screening individuals for lung cancer diagnosis, and is applicable even to individuals with other respiratory disorders such as asthma and COPD.

Abstract: An apparatus for the measurement of exhaled respiratory gas temperature during free voluntary tidal breathing, comprises a housing 1 defining a chamber, an air inlet 2 for receiving a stream of exhaled respiratory gas and an air outlet 4 for permitting escape of exhaled respiratory gas from the chamber to outside of the housing. A tube having inner and outer surfaces, is located within the housing and extends from the air inlet into the chamber provides a passageway through which the stream of exhaled respiratory gas may travel from the air inlet in to the chamber. A temperature sensor 6 is located within the housing for measuring the temperature of exhaled respiratory gas.

Abstract: A temperature probe, such as for a respiratory system in which breathable gases are supplied to a patient, includes a housing having an external wall and an internal cavity defining an end and an internal cavity and further includes a temperature-responsive device in an area of the cavity near the end, such as in thermal communication with the external wall. A first potting compound that is deformable and/or has a relatively high thermal conductivity holds the temperature-responsive device in the cavity and a second potting compound having a relatively low thermal conductivity may be in the cavity behind the first potting compound. The housing may be made thin to enhance thermal conductivity, at least in the area containing the temperature-responsive device.

Abstract: An airflow sensor (thermal sensor assembly) that is designed to adhesively attach to different styles of a cannula and that can detect the movement of respiratory air through the nasal and/or oral cavities. When secured to the cannula, the airflow sensor has its nasal and oral sensing elements in positions that will maximize signal accuracy, minimize airflow signal artifacts, and minimize occurrences of signal loss due to direct patient skin contact. The airflow sensor does not disturb the flow of air from the patient or add any discomfort to the patient. The airflow sensor can be attached to most nasal or nasal/oral cannulae used in sleep disorder diagnostics.

Abstract: A respiration rate measurement device comprising a tubular housing configured to be disposed over a nose and mouth on a face of a subject. The tubular housing comprises a proximal end configured to communicate with the nose and mouth of the subject and receive a transient pressure event from the nose and mouth and a distal end that opens to ambient atmosphere. The tubular housing is configured to guide a flow of air, generated from the transient pressure event, between the proximal end and the distal end. The respiration rate measurement device further comprises a sensor disposed within the housing. The sensor is configured to detect a respiration event by monitoring the flow of air within the tubular housing.

Abstract: A device and method for providing an airflow sensor apparatus including a nasal cannula nosepiece body, an oral prong extending therefrom and a temperature sensor, integrated therewith. The temperature sensor includes an electrically-conductive elastomer based sensor material such as electrically-conductive ink, electrically-conductive Form-In-Place elastomer material and electrically-conductive elastomer wire.

Abstract: A medical device may include a gas delivery apparatus, a patient interface, a connection system, and an electrical circuit. The gas delivery apparatus may be configured to deliver gas to a patient. The patient interface may be configured to interface with the patient to deliver gas communicated by the gas delivery apparatus to the patient. The connection system may be configured to communicate gas from the gas delivery apparatus to the patient interface. The electrical circuit may be configured to communicate electrical signals between the patient interface and the gas delivery apparatus, and may including one or more first electrical conductors at least partially integral with the patient interface and one or more second electrical conductors at least partially integral with the connection system.

Abstract: A system and method for sleep monitoring, diagnosing and sensing temperature and pressure for a breathing cycle of a patient including a sensing device suitable for both nasal and oral breath monitoring for measuring respiratory air wave and airflow information during a sleep apnea diagnostic session and processing the acquired air wave and airflow breathing information for input to conventional polysomnography equipment.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for measuring infant feeding performance. The device includes a body portion, a respiration sensing device for receiving respiration and an integrated circuit disposed in the body portion and electrically connected to the respiration sensing device. The body portion has a first end for receiving a fluid, a second end for passing fluid to a feeding nipple, and a conduit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The respiration sensing device is mechanically coupled to the body portion and is mateable with the feeding nipple. The respiration sensing device generates a signal representing a variation in temperature or airflow of the respiration during a feeding session. The integrated circuit receives the temperature or airflow signal determines a respiration pattern over the feeding session indicative of the infant feeding performance.

Abstract: The system 10 includes an endoscopic probe 20 and an expired air sampling device 24 functionally connected to a control console 28. In use, the endoscopic probe 20 is routed through a body lumen of a patient to, for example, visualize a selected region of a patient's body. As the endoscopic probe 20 is routed through the body lumens, the expired air sampling device 24 collects expired air from the patient, generates signals indicative of patient respiratory status, and outputs the generated signals to the control console 28. The control console 28 processes the signals and monitors the respiratory status of the patient. If the respiratory status of the patient changes based on the processed signals of the expired air sampling device 24, the control console 28 may output an audible or visual alert signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a force or pressure sensor and a method for applying the same. The pressure sensor includes a substantially rigid, mechanical-load resistant frame, a flexible diaphragm secured over its peripheral rim to the frame, and a piezoelectric sensor diaphragm applied to the surface of the flexible diaphragm. The sensor diaphragm loading element comprises a substantially rigid, mechanical-load resistant cover, having its protrusion or shoulder bearing against a middle section of the flexible diaphragm and thereby prestressing the flexible diaphragm and the piezoelectric sensor diaphragm attached thereto. The frame and the cover define therebetween a closed, hermetically sealed housing chamber, the flexible diaphragm and the piezoelectric sensor diaphragm located thereinside. The placement of one or more responsive, yet load-resistant sensors in contact with a bed enables measuring a sleeping or lying person for his or her heart rate and respiratory amplitude, as well as frequency.

Abstract: A system and method for treating obstructive sleep apnea by terminating an obstructive sleep apnea event before the cessation of breathing occurs. The system has one or more microphones capable of detecting breathing sounds within an airway of a person and that generate signals representative of the breathing sounds and send the signals to a controller. When the controller detects a signal pattern that indicates the onset of an obstructive apnea event, the controller sends an alarm signal to a stimulus generator. The stimulus generator creates a stimulus to cause the sleeping person to move in a manner to terminate the obstructive sleep apnea event before cessation of breathing occurs. The obstructive sleep apnea event is terminated without waking the sleeping person and without causing the sleeping person physiological stress associated with cessation of breathing.

Abstract: A combined cannula and temperature sensing device for detecting breathing of a patient. The cannula comprising a cannula body defining at least one internal flow chamber therein, at least one tube being connected to the cannula body and communicating with the internal flow chamber, a pair of nasal prongs communicating with the internal flow chamber, and the cannula body having retaining mechanism for releasably attaching the temperature sensing device to the cannula. The temperature sensing device comprising a sensor body, at least one temperature sensor being supported by the sensor body, and the sensor body releasably engaging with the retaining mechanism of the cannula for positioning the at least one temperature sensor adjacent at least one of a nasal cavity and a mouth of the patient for detecting breathing of the patient.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device and method of using the same, for detecting breathing of a patient. The temperature sensing device comprises a sensor body contour for supporting the temperature sensing device on an upper lip of a patient and preventing undesired movement thereof and at least one temperature sensor being supported by the sensor body. The sensor body spaces the temperature sensor(s) from the skin of a patient, during use, so that a remote end of the at least one temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent at least one of a nasal cavity and a mouth of the patient for detecting breathing of the patient. The sensor body is preferably curved both upwardly and rearwardly with respect to planes extending through the sensor body.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for monitoring respiratory disorders based on monitored factors of a photoplethysmography (PPG) signal that is representative of peripheral blood volume. The monitored factors can be respiratory effort as well as respiratory rate and/or blood oxygen saturation level. The systems and devices may or may not be implanted in a patient.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for communicating sleep therapy information between a closed loop neuromodulator, configured to optimize sleep therapy, and a remote diagnostic terminal. A state machine can control the closed loop neuromodulator, by exchanging the sleep therapy information with using a device register, and the sleep therapy information can be routed between the device register and the state machine using an internal data bus.

Abstract: A system and method for sleep monitoring, diagnosing and sensing temperature and pressure for a breathing cycle of a patient including a sensing device suitable for both nasal and oral breath monitoring for measuring respiratory air wave and airflow information during a sleep apnea diagnostic session and processing the acquired air wave and airflow breathing information for input to conventional polysomnography equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for sleep monitoring, diagnosing and sensing temperature and pressure for a breathing cycle of a patient including a sensing device suitable for both nasal and oral breath monitoring for measuring respiratory air wave and airflow information during a sleep apnea diagnostic session and processing the acquired air wave and airflow breathing information for input to conventional polysomnography equipment.

Abstract: An intelligent medical vigilance system that observes and analyzes, and, only in the event of a clinically significant negative condition, notifies and reports the event to the care staff utilizing the hospital's existing nurse call system. The device includes a bedside unit connected to a pad or coverlet with a sensor array (placed under the patient) and also to an existing hospital nurse call system via an interface. Within the physical bedside unit are a signal processor and an alarm processor that measure data and evaluate whether a clinically significant event is occurring. The bedside unit is a wall-mounted unit with a display that becomes active when an alarm condition is enabled. The sensing pad or coverlet is a thin, piezoelectric film, or other similar sensing technology, with an array of sensors sheathed in soft padding and is not directly in contact with the skin of the patient.

Abstract: A sensor for use with a polysomnograph in a sleep lab setting is made reusable by laminating a PVDF film and associated lead contacts within a flexible, moisture-impervious plastic envelope that is hermetically sealed about its periphery. Lead terminals within the envelope are adhered to the metalized surfaces of the PVDP film using a conductive adhesive which inhibits dislodgement of the leads from the sensor even with rough handling and cleaning.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying in a controlled and automatic way boli of nitric oxide (NO) to patients ‘(50)’ affected by respiratory diseases. The apparatus comprises a reservoir (20) connected an electro-valve (21) for adjusting the flow. The electro-valve (21) is switched on/off by a microprocessor (40) in order to supply the medical gas contained in the reservoir, (20) in synchronism with the respiratory rhythm of the patient (50). This rhythm can be outlined on the basis of the temperature values of the respiration flow by measuring, means (80) comprising a first thermistor (81) and a second thermistor (82) electrically connected to each other. The temperature values are then computed by the micropocessor (40). The flow controlled is sent to the respiratory airways of the patient (50) through a thin nasal tube (2).

Abstract: A therapeutic microwave system comprises a support unit having two or more separable segments; a microwave power assembly positioned between two separated segments of the support unit and including two or more microwave power supply devices; position adjustment componentry; and a central processing unit. The system may further include a temperature sensor for monitoring a treated subject's exhaled air temperature in real time and adjusting microwave irradiation accordingly, and a cooling device for controlling the patient's brain temperature during treatment.