Abstract: An optical flow rate sensor system for a sprayer includes an optical sensor, an optical sensor window within a display housing, a projectile within a drum housing, and vortexing geometry upstream of the projectile. The optical sensor is located adjacent to the optical sensor window. The projectile includes a first section having a first optical absorption value and a second section having a second optical absorption value that is lower than the first optical absorption value. The projectile is configured to revolve around an axis of the drum housing.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment apparatus configured to provide a flow of breathable gas to a patient, including a breathable air outlet, an outside air inlet, and an pneumatic block module, wherein the pneumatic block module includes: a volute assembly including an inlet air passage, a mount for a blower and an outlet air passage; the blower being mounted in the mount such that an impeller of the blower is in a flow passage connecting the inlet air passage and the outlet air passage; a casing enclosing the volute assembly, wherein air passages within the casing connect air ports on the volute assembly, wherein the inlet air passage of the volute assembly is in fluid communication with the outside air inlet and the outlet air passage of the volute assembly is in fluid communication with the air outlet.

Abstract: A spirometer turbine assembly is described, having a housing with a proximal end opening, a distal end opening and an airflow channel therebetween. A first flow director has a first plurality of flow director blades with distal edges that curve in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the airflow channel, and a vane is connected to an axel positioned distal to the first flow director. A spirometer turbine assembly having an anti-static material is also described.

Abstract: An Internet-based disease monitoring system may include a network-based disease sensor device, which is coupled to a sensor, such as a spirometer. A remote server may be coupled to the network-based disease sensor device to provide analysis of input signals from the sensor. The remote server may be able to provide various services for grouping or handling functions relating to such input signals. A service may provide the ability to aggregate input signals from multiple sensors coupled to sensor devices and provide predictive modeling or statistical analysis, which may then be used to adjust future input signals. A service may also contain instructions how to handle billing based on usage of the network-based disease sensor device.

Abstract: A device comprising a unit (1) through which a subject can breathe, the unit comprising: an opening (AA) to allow airflow communication to the outside of the device; a mouthpiece element (2) through which the subject can breathe air in from and out into the device; and means for providing resistance (4) to airflow positioned between the opening and the mouthpiece element, said means being arranged to controllably vary the resistance to airflow during inspiration or expiration. Also provided are methods for the use of such a device.

Abstract: The chronic nature of asthma necessitates regular self-monitoring of respiratory function in susceptible individuals, however the available devices for performing the necessary measurements are either inaccurate or expensive and bulky. The present invention provides a small, cheap spirometer for efficient, accurate and convenient measurement of breathing characteristics.

Abstract: A flowmeter and filter assembly for spirometry have a flowmeter with a turbine rotor and sensor means for detecting the speed of rotation of the rotor, and a filter upstream of the flowmeter. An air-conveying device modifies the direction of the flow of air at an outlet from the filter to set the rotor in rotation within the flowmeter. The air-conveying device is integrated in the filter instead of in the flowmeter.

Abstract: A paddle wheel flow meter designed for measuring the flow rate of a viscous or debris-laden fluid with fewer parts, higher durability and simplicity of servicing. The flow meter includes a housing including a flow bore and an insert body with an integral rotor shaft. The insert body is removably insertable into the housing. A rotor includes rotor blades and is attached to the rotor shaft so as to be at least partially located in the flow bore such that flow of the fluid causes the rotor to rotate. A sensor unit generates a signal indicative of the rotational rate of the rotor, which can be used to determine the flow rate of the fluid.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for characterizing a flow through a conduit. The apparatus comprises a body portion, and first and second sensors. The body portion has a longitudinal axis extending between first and second body portion ends. The cross-sectional area of the body portion varies along the longitudinal axis. In use, the body portion is arranged to be disposed substantially longitudinally within the conduit with the first body portion end disposed upstream of the second body portion end. The first sensor is disposed at or near the first body portion end. The second sensor is longitudinally spaced from the first sensor. The body portion has a larger cross-sectional area at the second sensor than at the first sensor such that, in use, the second sensor experiences an accelerated flow as compared to the first sensor. The first and second sensors are operable to sense a common variable, thereby enabling the effects of accelerated flow on the common variable to be characterized.

Abstract: A turbine spirometer comprises a breathing tube into which is subject is to breath and a vane to be driven by the subject's breath. The breathing tube has a first axis A-A at its opening in the direction of air flow and the vane rotates about a second axis B-B. The first A-A and second B-B axes are inclined to one another at angle of around 100 degrees such that in use the axis of rotation B-B is substantially vertical.

Abstract: A spirometer for correlating test results with other user date to indicate a relationship, said spirometer comprising: (a) a processor; (b) memory operatively connected to said processor and configured with instruction to instruct the processor to perform the following steps: (i) recording spirometer results of a user; (ii) correlating said results with user data, said user data comprising at least one of a medication log, a medical diary, a baseline performance for said user provided by a healthcare provider, or other results from other testing devices; and (iii) indicating a relationship between said results and said user data.

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 wearable respiration measurement apparatus including: an eyeglass frame having a nose flap which is formed in such a manner as to cover a user's nose; and an induced current generation device attached to the nose flap and generating an induced current corresponding to an amount of air inhaled or exhaled through the user's nose.

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: The primary application of this force meter is measurement of fluid flow. A force on the force sensor push the force sensor away from the original position. The deviation of the force sensor is detected by a proximity sensor. An electronic unit takes the position signal from the proximity sensor as a feedback. The electronic unit generates electric current to an electromagnetic anti-torque means. The electromagnetic anti-torque means generates an anti-torque on force sensor to prevent the force sensor from moving away from the original position. A display unit measures the electric current and calculates velocity and rate of fluid before displays the results.

Abstract: A monitoring device to be used in conjunction with a patient's airway. Some embodiments of the monitoring device include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect inhaled and exhaled airflow and an optional communications subassembly configured to transmit measurements to at least one external computing device. Other embodiments include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a measurement indicating airflow from the patient's lungs and at least one processor configured to detect whether the airflow is associated with medication administration or measurement of breathing characteristics. Some embodiments include a circuit that allows patient information to be analyzed by an external computing device and/or the monitoring device to determine whether the patient's breathing has declined indicating a medical problem.

Abstract: A wireless transmission vital capacity examining device includes two induction coils on a stator frame and a rotor frame having a first magnetic area which is mounted to the two induction coils. A rotatable member with rotatable blades has a third connection portion which has a third magnetic area which is magnetically connected to the second magnetic area of rotor frame so as to rotate the rotor frame. The user blows to rotate the blades and the first induction coil outputs a voltage to a processing unit so as to transfer to a value of the vital capacity. The second induction coil provides electric power to the wireless communication unit to transmit the value. The two induction coils are not interfered to each other and the device does not have problem of insufficient voltages.

Abstract: A combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system for increasing the compliance of peak flow measurements in children and adults with asthma. The combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system includes a peak flow meter and a toothbrush head connected to an end of the peak flow meter. The peak flow meter transmits the peak flow measurement data to the hospital computer to be evaluated by a physician.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable asthma detection device and a stand-alone portable asthma detection device. The portable asthma detection device includes a housing; a gas detection module comprising a turbine and a mini airflow sensor; a gas introducing tube; and a signal delivery unit. In addition, the stand-alone portable asthma detection device includes a housing; a gas detection module comprising a turbine and a mini airflow sensor; a gas introducing tube; at least one input unit; at least one display unit; and at least one delivery unit. Thus, the detection of breathing condition can be performed anytime and anywhere by using the portable asthma detection device and stand-alone device, and then the efficiency of monitor and management of asthma can be improved.

Abstract: A wireless transmission vital capacity examining device includes two induction coils on a stator frame and a rotor frame having a first magnetic area which is mounted to the two induction coils. A rotatable member with rotatable blades has a third connection portion which has a third magnetic area which is magnetically connected to the second magnetic area of rotor frame so as to rotate the rotor frame. The user blows to rotate the blades and the first induction coil outputs a voltage to a processing unit so as to transfer to a value of the vital capacity. The second induction coil provides electric power to the wireless communication unit to transmit the value. The two induction coils are not interfered to each other and the device does not have problem of insufficient voltages.

Abstract: The primary application of this force meter is measurement of fluid flow. A force on the force sensor push the force sensor away from the original position. The deviation of the force sensor is detected by a proximity sensor. An electronic unit takes the position signal from the proximity sensor as a feedback. The electronic unit generates electric current to an electromagnetic anti-torque means. The electromagnetic anti-torque means generates an anti-torque on force sensor to prevent the force sensor from moving away from the original position. A display unit measures the electric current and calculates velocity and rate of fluid before displays the results.

Abstract: A wearable respiration measurement apparatus including: an eyeglass frame having a nose flap which is formed in such a manner as to cover a user's nose; and an induced current generation device attached to the nose flap and generating an induced current corresponding to an amount of air inhaled or exhaled through the user's nose.

Abstract: A combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system for increasing the compliance of peak flow measurements in children and adults with asthma. The combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system includes a peak flow meter and a toothbrush head connected to an end of the peak flow meter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for lung volume reduction of a patient are described. The methods include implanting a flow control device in a bronchial passageway of the lung. The flow control device regulates fluid flow through the bronchial passageway and includes a valve protector that at least partially surrounds a valve member. The valve protector has sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape of the valve member against compression.

Abstract: Systems and methods for breathing assistance are discussed. In various embodiments, a breathing assistance device comprises right and left flanges and a protuberance. The right and left flanges may comprise an inner surface and an outer surface. Further, the flanges may be configured to be placed in a user's mouth, wherein at least a portion of the flanges are in front of teeth of the user. The protuberance may extend from the outside surface of the flanges. Further, the protuberance may define an air passage that passes through the flanges.

Abstract: A small dimension throwaway turbine device for checking the breathing flux, to be used in spirometric instruments, allowing an extreme simplification in project and realization, and comprises a turbo-turbine (4) with an inlet deflector (1) and an outlet deflector (3), and a single-piece mobile equipment comprising a blade (2) and a rotation axis (5), realized out of one single raw material.

Abstract: The present invention is an apnea monitor giving alarm when apnea occurs. It uses new designed gas flow sensor and gas differential flow sensor to detect actual airflow from patients nose and mouth. The gas flow sensor and gas differential flow sensor are evolved from a galvanometer utilizing it's structure for sensitivity. The apnea monitor measures the change of chest volume to detect breathing by a conductive rubber string. The apnea monitor also detects the frequency of baby's movement to predict possible apnea.

Abstract: A system and computer implemented method for operating a respiratory ventilator ventilating a subject. One or more body signals obtained from the subject indicative of the subject's ventilation are analyzed so as to perform a spirometric assessment of the ventilation. It is then determined whether the spirometric assessment satisfactorily conforms to one or more predetermined spirometric standards. If the spirometric assessment does not satisfactorily conform to the spirometric standard, the operating parameters of the ventilator are adjusted. The invention also provides a system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the central control of devices (20, 52) used during an operation, comprising a first control unit (12) for control of said devices. The system is characterized in that a second control unit (14) is provided which is connected to the first control unit for exchange of information. The first control unit is embodied as closed system for control of at least those devices (20; 22-26) which carry out safety-related functions (safety-related devices), and the second control unit (14) is embodied as open system for control of the remaining devices (52) which carry out non safety-related functions (non safety-related devices). The invention further relates to a method for the central control of devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for monitoring an individual, a group or a community of individuals for respiratory infections. Predictive health data, such as waking peak expiratory flow rate (“WPF”) and basal metabolic temperature (“BMT”) are measured and charted to provide an indication of early stage respiratory infection. Data may be collected for target populations and reported to health agencies for use in combating the spread of infection. An apparatus is provided which can simultaneously measure WPF and BMT and other health-condition-related values and automatically transmit readings to a data collection and analysis program on a remote computer.

Abstract: A portable hand-held spirometer apparatus is described. A main casing has a pair of opposed arms extending to one side thereof. A flow head component unit has a channel through which air may be blown, with formations in the channel imparting a rotary movement to air blown through the channel. A free-spinning vaned member is mounted for rotation about an axis substantially coaxial with that of the channel. The flow head component unit has two open-ended recesses extending to either side of the vaned member and dimensioned to receive the opposed arms when the flow head component unit is fitted on to the main casing. This construction enables the successive use of detachable flow head components, each may be used once and then a batch of which may be sterilized before re-use.

Abstract: A breath monitoring apparatus is provided comprising a housing (4) on which is mounted, a means (6, 10, 12) to measure the volume of an inhaled breath of the user; and a means (8) to measure the gas content of an exhaled breath of a user. There is further provided a method of monitoring breaths, the method comprising the steps of calculating the volume of an inhaled breath of a user and calculating the gas content of an exhaled breath of the user. The apparatus and method relate in particular to indirect calorimetry.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for detecting the circadian state of a patient using an implantable medical device based on selected blood carbon dioxide (CO2) parameters. In one example, the implantable device tracks changes in end tidal CO2 (etCO2) levels and changes in maximum variations of pCO2 levels per breathing cycle (?cycleCO2) over the course of the day and determines the circadian state based thereon. It has been found that average etCO2 levels are generally highest and average ?cycleCO2 levels are generally lowest while a patient is asleep and opposite while a patient is awake. Hence, by tracking changes in average etCO2 and ?cycleCO2 levels over the course of the day, circadian states can be detected. Minute ventilation and activity levels are used to assist in the determination of the circadian state. Additional techniques are directed to detecting the stage of sleep.

Abstract: A device for detecting the flow of a gas from an opening comprising a chamber with an inlet, the chamber carrying a pressure displaceable member with an inner face exposed to the interior of the chamber and an outer face exposed to the ambient pressure such that the member is displaced as a result of the differential of the pressures; and a method of using the device and a method of manufacturing the device.

Abstract: A wearable life support apparatus worn by a user is disclosed. A physiological information acquirement unit acquires the user's physiological information. An action information acquirement unit acquires the user's action information. A status recognition unit recognizes the user's status in accordance with the action information. A physiological information decision unit decides whether the physiological information is normal in accordance with the user's status. A presentation unit presents the decision result of the physiological information decision unit to the user.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a novel method and apparatus for improving the efficacy of a medical treatment or diagnostic procedure by coordinating such treatment or procedure with at least one physiological cycle of a patient. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention pertains to a novel method of coordinating a chest x-ray with a patient's ventilatory cycle. In a specific example, this invention concerns a novel device for interfacing a ventilator and an x-ray machine to ensure that an x-ray chest image can be taken at peak insufflation of the patient. The subject invention also relates to other medical procedures including, but not limited to, cardiac output measurement, chest imaging, inhalation therapy, oxygen delivery, blood pressure measurement, extracorporel shock wave lithotripsy, and pulse oximeter optoplethysmograms.

Abstract: A device for detecting the flow of a gas from an opening comprising a chamber with an inlet, the chamber carrying a pressure displaceable member with an inner face exposed to the interior of the chamber and an outer face exposed to the ambient pressure such that the member is displaced as a result of the differential of the pressures; and a method of using the device and a method of manufacturing the device.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a novel method and apparatus for improving the efficacy of a medical treatment or diagnostic procedure by coordinating such treatment or procedure with a patient's breathing cycle. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention pertains to a novel method of coordinating a chest x-ray with a patient's ventilatory cycle. In a specific example, this invention concerns a novel device for interfacing a ventilator and an x-ray machine to ensure that an x-ray chest image can be taken at peak insufflation of the patient. The subject invention also relates to other medical procedures including, but not limited to, cardiac output measurement, chest imaging, inhalation therapy, oxygen delivery, blood pressure measurement, and pulse oximeter optoplethysmograms. By coordinating certain medical treatments and diagnostic procedures with a patient's breathing cycle, the subject invention improves the quality of medical care received by the patient.

Abstract: In a lung therapy method, hyperpolarized gas is administered for one breath to a subject, and a magnetic resonance scan of at least one lung of the subject is conducted. The data obtained from the scan are evaluated, specifically to determine the extent and distribution of infusion of hyperpolarized gas in the lung, as an indication of the alveolae in the lung which are open. Based on the evaluation of the data obtained in the magnetic resonance scan, a determination is made as to whether administration of a surfactant is necessary in order to improve opening of the lung. If a surfactant is administered, the procedure can be repeated to obtain an updated dataset, which can be evaluated to determine whether the administered surfactant has been effective.

Abstract: A spirometer is provided which has an air flow path comprising a mouthpiece, filter (such as an air filter or biostatic filter), and an air pathway in which a multiblade transparent windmill rotor rotates when air travels through same. Tips of the rotor are used to detect the rate of rotation providing a train of pulses linearly proportional to the volume of air flowing through the cylindrical air path.

Abstract: A device for measuring the resistance of the respiratory tract with the interrupter method consists essentially of a housing (2) which comprises an air passage (3), and of a closing arrangement (5) for temporarily closing the air passage (3). The closing arrangement (5) may be operated via drive means (8). The drive means (8) are arranged and/or designed such that they can be accelerated in a load-free manner from a rest position (R) into an effectual condition (W). In the effectual condition (W) the drive means (8) engages with the closing arrangement and move the latter from a home position (A) into a closing position (V). With this, it is essential that at the point in time of the coming into engagement of the drive means (8) and the closing arrangement (5), the drive means has a certain energy content.

Abstract: In a device for transmitting information via a patient tube from a location near the patient to an intensive care or anesthetic machine, at least one signal source is arranged at one end portion of the tube to deliver information-carrying signals which propagate longitudinally through the medium inside the tube. At least one receiver is arranged at the other end of the tube to receive the signals.