Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a controller configured to control a vehicle that is equipped with a storage device in which baggage can be deposited by a user, and a storing section for storing cushioning material that can be used by the user when the user deposits the baggage in the storage device, wherein the controller performs to generate a command for replenishment of the cushioning material in the storing section when a remaining amount of the cushioning material in the storing section is less than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel device for selective collection and condensation of an exhaled breath, and the method of using the novel device. The novel device is portable and capable of collecting and condensing reproducible volumes of exhaled breath under about 10 minutes by using a unique temperature-based algorithm.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for analyzing aerosol particles in exhaled breath using diagnostic tools that enable rapid, low cost and autonomous point of care assays for several diseases including respiratory tract diseases. Disclosed are methods and devices for capturing exhaled breath aerosols in a packed bed column and analyzing exhaled captured breath aerosols for tuberculosis diagnosis.

Abstract: Described herein are bioaerosol detection systems and methods of use. In embodiments of bioaerosol detection systems and methods of use as described herein, systems and methods detect one or more coronaviruses and/or one or more influenza strains. In embodiments, coronaviruses according to systems and methods as described herein are SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. In embodiments, influenza strains and/or particles according to the present disclosure are H1N1 influenza.

Abstract: Various implementations include a CPAP alarm system that generates an alarm when the concentration of CO2 is less than a certain threshold. The threshold may represent a minimum concentration of CO2 that is expected to be expelled from the patient. Other implementations are directed to a CPAP apparatus that can couple the CPAP alarm system to a CPAP air delivery device. The CPAP apparatus includes a support body that can be coupled to the CPAP air delivery device and that supports the CPAP alarm system outside of the air delivery device. A CO2 concentration sensor of the CPAP alarm system can be disposed on the apparatus such that the flow of CO2 from a breathing patient is directed toward the CO2 concentration sensor when the CPAP air delivery device is in use and is in the proper position for the patient.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for a device for measuring analytes in exhaled air includes a gas path configured to convey exhaled air to the device and a film arranged so as to block the conveying of the exhaled air through the gas path. A system, in one embodiment, includes the mouthpiece and a device configured to measure analytes in the exhaled air. The mouthpiece is configured to be releasably connected to the device. The device includes a pressure sensor and, in one embodiment, a pump configured to pump air via the mouthpiece when connected to the device. The device is configured to be enabled to measure predefined analytes in the exhaled air when a pressure curve measured via the pressure sensor satisfies one or more predefined conditions.

Abstract: There is provided a kit of parts for an exhaled breath condensate collection device. The kit comprises a mouthpiece module (100) comprising a breath passageway defined in the mouthpiece module (100) providing fluid conduction from a mouthpiece breath inlet port (122) for receiving exhaled breath to a mouthpiece breath outlet port (124) in use. The kit further comprises a collection vessel (300) for insertion into the device for cooling in use. The collection vessel (300) defines a sealed and resealable chamber for collecting exhaled breath condensate in use. The collection vessel has a vessel breath inlet (326) for admitting exhaled breath into the chamber.

Abstract: A device for controlling alcohol interlock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sensor for obtaining position information and breath information of a fellow passenger, and a controller that determines whether a blood alcohol concentration of the fellow passenger is measured based on the position information and the breath information of the fellow passenger, and determines whether to re-measure a blood alcohol concentration based on the determination result. Thus, the device may prevent surrogate measurement of the fellow passenger, so that a driver's own blood alcohol concentration may be measured accurately, and drunk driving of a driver may be fundamentally prevented.

Abstract: A device and method is described for the collection of breath or air samples into a chemically clean bag or balloon, to facilitate analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in low concentrations in the collected samples. A reservoir of activated charcoal is introduced into the bag or balloon for initial removal of VOCs and it is then replaced with a similar reservoir of activated charcoal until the bag or balloon is employed to collect a sample. The device fulfills a long-felt need for collection of breath and air samples with a high VOC signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described to obtain and analyze a gas sample from a desired section of the breath of a person, while accounting for erratic, episodic or otherwise challenging breathing patterns that may otherwise make the capturing of a gas sample from the desired section of breath difficult. These techniques may provide more reliable, accurate and adequate samples of gas such as end-tidal gas, and ultimately an accurate analysis of the sample captured.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a mobile communication device, such as a mobile communication device, with functions including telecommunications capabilities, breath sensory functions and, in some instances, environmental air sensing functions. The breath sensory functions can be used to measure alcohol levels, as well as to detect properties that pertain to various health conditions and issues. The environmental air sensing functions can, in at least some embodiments, be provided along with the breath sensory functions.

Abstract: A breath capture device for determining the concentration of acetone in a breath sample from a user. In some embodiments, the device includes a controller programmed to use stored data to control flow of a breath sample into an analysis chamber as the user exhales into a port. In other embodiments, the device includes a switch responsive to an action by the user that is operable between a first orientation in which breath entering the port preferentially travels through a second flow path and a second orientation in which breath entering the port preferentially travels through a first flow path. In still other embodiments, the device includes a flow regulator both responsive to user action and operable from a first position in which breath entering a port preferentially travels through a second flow path to a second position in which breath entering the port preferentially travels through a first flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting volatile compounds in human breath. The apparatus includes a device for discriminating between alveolar and non-alveolar portions of exhaled breath, a device for measuring volume of exhaled breath, a chamber with a piston or similar compressible device with clean internal services designed to collect a precise volume of alveolar breath, a pump to draw the exhaled breath from the chamber through at least one sorbent tube, a subsystem for introducing a clean gas into the chamber to expand it and for purging the tubing of the system, and a subsystem for selectively collecting a room air sample. A manifold is provided in the apparatus for receiving sorbent tubes and comprises an input block and output block, and a locking lever for actuating the input and output blocks linearly towards and away from each other and selectively locking them in a fully closed position.

Abstract: Various embodiments for a hand-held device to determine a level of one or more cannabinoid compounds in exhaled human breath are provided; some embodiments may also determine a level of alcohol in the exhaled breath. The device may perform any of the following steps: capture, concentrate, separate, identify, and quantify the level of cannabinoids in the exhaled human breath. The device may use solvent extraction and liquid chromatography to concentrate and separate cannabinoids from breath contaminants, followed by selective chemical modification of the cannabinoids with a fluorescent indicator for quantification. The measurement methodology may also include real time calibration of the device and detection protocol using known cannabinoid standards, which are simultaneously analyzed along with an unknown, to quantify the level of cannabinoids captured from the breath sample.

Abstract: An upper respiratory bacterial infection is detected from exhaled mammalian breath by using a colorimetric sensor array having a spectral response characteristic that changes when exposed to bacteria-produced analytes in the exhaled breath. A flow regulating system directs a leading portion of the exhaled breath into gaseous communication with the array to change its spectral response characteristic, and discharges a trailing portion of the exhaled breath exteriorly of the apparatus. A spectral analysis system analyzes the spectral response characteristic changed solely by the leading portion of the exhaled breath, and detects the upper respiratory bacterial infection when the bacteria-produced analytes are present therein. Reactivity of the analytes with the array is increased by advance oxidizing and/or heating the analytes.

Abstract: A breath testing apparatus is provided with on-board “Instruction Manual” tutorials incorporated in a display device installed in the device. Alternatively, on-board instructional videos can be added to various objects or processes requiring instructions.

Abstract: Continuous measurement of breathing impedance with extremely high precision is enabled by executing noise elimination. A loudspeaker applies an air vibration pressure by an oscillation wave to an oral cavity, the oscillation wave being obtained by frequency-cuffing so executed that the oscillation wave has only the frequency component that is left after the culling is executed from a plurality of different frequencies and being generated by a pulse signal for pulse drive with pulses made positive and negative separately in correspondence to the time of exhalation and the time of inhalation. A pressure inside the oral cavity is detected and a breathing flow is detected, and a signal obtained by the detection is Fourier-transformed to obtain a spectrum. Analysis of the spectrum is performed to obtain breathing impedance.

Abstract: A nasal mask assembly including a nasal mask with a dome shaped body. The dome shaped body has an inner rim and an outer surface. The inner rim has a rounded triangular shape and a tube connector extends from the outer surface. The inner rim is configured such that a bottom portion thereof sits on or above the patient's upper lip while an upper portion thereof extends across the bridge of the patient's nose.

Abstract: A handle component of the present invention into which atmospheric air is inhaled and breath is exhaled in the analysis of breath comprises inhalation holes, an inhalation inlet, an inhalation path, a breath discharge component, and an exhalation path. The inhalation holes are disposed near the tube connected for conducting exhaled breath to an analysis device main body for analyzing this breath, and are holes through which atmospheric air is inhaled into the interior of the handle component. The inhalation inlet is a place where the atmospheric air inhaled from the inhalation holes is sent into the body. The inhalation path is disposed between the inhalation inlet and the inhalation holes. The breath discharge component is a place where breath discharged from the body is taken in. The exhalation path is disposed between the breath discharge component and the tube.

Abstract: Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel.

Abstract: A breath analysis device is described which obtains a desired segment of one or more breaths, and analyzes that or those samples for compositional analysis. A pneumatic control system may obtain these segments homogeneously, may reduce the amount of gases included from other segments of the breath, and may reduce mixing with other segments once obtained. These pneumatic control systems can be used for on-board compositional analysis, or for modular or off-board compositional analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inhalation support apparatus and the use thereof and to a method for supporting the inhalation of an inhalation mixture that is to be inhaled. The invention further relates to a device for the control of pressure changes, their use in the medical and non-medical field and a method for detecting respiratory problems.

Abstract: Methods and devices for creating an artificial exhalation profile, for example for use in the sampling of exhaled breath or air from the nasal cavity from a mammal, wherein said mammal exhales into a device comprising a flow channel, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a control unit, and means for creating an exhalation flow, wherein said means for creating an exhalation flow maintain an exhalation flow at one or more pre-determined flow rate (rates), within a predetermined interval, substantially independent of exhalation pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas sampling device (100) for collecting gas samples from a patient or other gas sources such as industrial processes. The gas sampling device has a flow controller (114) and a flow sensor (112) for controlling a gasflow from the gas source created by a gas pump (113). The gas flow is pulled through an associated absorbent tube (180) located up-stream relative to the flow sensor and pump.

Abstract: A portable drug sampling device for handheldly collecting a sample from exhaled breath of a subject for further sensor based analysis. The device comprising: a housing (406) comprising at least one inlet (407) and at least one outlet (408) for the exhaled breath to exit through, and a sampling membrane (302) arranged in the housing. A tubular element (40) having a mouthpiece section (401) for the subject to exhale into, and a saliva trap section comprising baffles (103) to create a non-straight gas flow path for letting aerosols pass through the tubular element. The sampling membrane (302) is arranged to collect the aerosols from the exhaled breath. The portable drug testing device further comprises a volume collecting element (208).

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) device can extract ventilation information from thoracic impedance or other information, and adjust a delivery rate of the CRM therapy. A tidal volume of a patient is measured and used to adjust a ventilation rate response factor. The measured tidal volume can optionally be adjusted using a ventilation rate dependent adjustment factor. The ventilation rate response factor can also be adjusted using a maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), an age predicted maximum heart rate, a resting heart rate, and a resting ventilation determined for the patient. In various examples, a global ventilation sensor rate response factor (for a population) can be programmed into the CRM device, and automatically tailored to be appropriate for a particular patient.

Abstract: An apparatus assesses a condition of a patient. The apparatus may contain a patient interface for communicating a treatment generated by a respiratory treatment apparatus to the respiratory system of a patient. The apparatus may also include a sensing module containing one or more electrochemical sensors to sense chemicals in exhaled breath in real time, or over an extended period of time. The apparatus may also include one or more collectors to accumulate a breath condensate over an extended period of time. The sample collectors may contain an absorbent material, and may also be adapted for replacement within a sensing module. The absorbent material may also include a preservative for preserving a chemical component of the breath, such as an analyte of the exhaled breath. The technology may provide treatment recommendations based on the detected condition of the breath condensate or the chemical components thereof.

Abstract: An integrated condenser is described. This integrated condenser includes an outer surface region on a sampler surface that facilitates condensing at least a component in a received gas-phase sample into liquid-phase droplets on the sampler surface, and aggregating and moving the condensed droplets radially toward an inner surface region on the sampler surface that receives the condensed droplets. For example, the outer surface region may include a set of micro-patterned concentric rings, each of which includes a set of radially oriented wall-groove pairs. Moreover, the sampler surface may be increasingly less hydrophobic along a radial direction toward the center of the sampler surface, thereby creating an axisymmetric wettability gradient.

Abstract: A bi-directional flow sensor is adapted for reducing pneumatic noise during pressure sensing with a flow passing through the flow sensor. The flow sensor comprises a hollow, tubular member having a throat section disposed between a ventilator end and a patient end. A flow restrictor is disposed in the throat section and is adapted to measure differential pressure in the flow. A baffle is mounted at the ventilator end and is adapted to minimize non-axial flow at pressure taps located on opposing ends of the flow restrictor. The patient end includes a flow obstruction configured to promote uniform velocity across the flow at the pressure taps during exhalation flow from the patient end to the ventilator end. The flow sensor minimizes pneumatic noise to less than 0.1 LPM to allow accurate patient flow measurement and triggering of inhalation and exhalation phases at flow rates of 0.2 LPM.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for intra-airway breath sensors where intra-airway breath sensors are not located within a ventilation gas delivery circuit, but are exposed to spontaneous respiration airflow from a patient. Furthermore, methods and systems of the present invention may be used to protect an intra-airway breath sensor from contacting tissue or accumulating debris that may impair abilities of the intra-airway breath sensors.

Abstract: A medical mouthpiece may include a generally U-shaped member forming a lateral interocclusal passageway extending from an anterior aperture to a posterior aperture configured to provide a conduit for respiratory gas exchange. A medical mouthpiece may include a sampling port for fluid communication with an analyzing apparatus configured to analyze exhaled respiratory gases. A medical mouthpiece may include a supplemental gas conduit for fluid communication between a source of supplemental gas and a supply orifice. A method for delivering a gas to a patient may include delivering a gas to the patient through a mouthpiece having a lateral interocclusal passageway such that the gas is delivered through a posterior aperture to a space adjacent the patient's posterior oropharynx.

Abstract: A multi-lumen breathing tube device providing for separate and bidirectional gas flow for expired and inspired gas during ventilation of a lung. Embodiments of the multi-lumen breathing tube include an improved laryngeal mask airway device and an improved endotracheal tube. The invention is compatible with a circle breathing circuit system used with many mechanical ventilators including those used in conjunction with anesthesia machines.

Abstract: A medical mouthpiece may include a U-shaped first member having a tubular portion, the first member forming at least one lateral interocclusal passageway extending through the first member, and a second member received within the tubular portion. A medical breathing apparatus may include a U-shaped first member forming left and right lateral interocclusal passageways extending through the first member, a second member attached to the first member, and an adapter receivable within a tubular portion of the first member, wherein the adapter includes a respiratory orifice configured to deliver respiratory gas to the left and right lateral interocclusal passageways. A method for delivering positive pressure and/or a respiratory gas to a patient may include inserting a mouthpiece into a mouth of the patient, and delivering the positive pressure and/or the respiratory gas through the mouthpiece to a space adjacent a posterior oropharynx of the patient.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an exhalation valve sensor assembly. The disclosure describes a novel exhalation valve sensor assembly that is configured for refurbishing. Accordingly, the disclosure further describes systems and methods for maintaining an exhalation valve assembly and describes a kit for refurbishing an exhalation valve sensor assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mask, such as a nasal pillows mask, for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications. The mask of the present invention includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The mask of the present invention further includes a heat and moisture exchange (HME) device which is directly integrated into the housing or cushion thereof (thus residing in extremely close proximity to the patient's nostrils), and is further uniquely configured to induce a flow pattern between it and the cushion which maximizes the transmission of heat and moisture to air which is inhaled by and exhaled from the patient through the mask.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a bite block assembly adapted for capnography and oxygen delivery to a subject, the bite block assembly (50) including a first capnography passageway adapted for passage therethrough of exhaled breath from the subject to a capnograph and a second oxygen delivery passageway, separate from the first passageway, adapted for passage therethrough of oxygen from an oxygen source to the mouth of the subject.

Abstract: A device for collecting material from lung aerosols. The device functions by collecting aerosols from the lower airway separated from material in the by collecting air from the upper airway in a chamber that when full causes the remaining exhaled aerosols from the lungs to be captured by a filter. The filter collects sample of material from the separated lung aerosols.

Abstract: A blood-alcohol content (BAC) tester for use at a facility serving alcohol. The BAC tester includes a breath-sampling unit having an air-chamber unit defining a closed position and an open position. The air-chamber unit has a first air-chamber block and a second air-chamber block, the first air-chamber block and the second air-chamber block defining an air chamber for receiving air exhaled from a user. The breath-sampling unit also includes a drive unit coupled to the second air-chamber block and an alcohol sensor. The BAC tester also includes a sensor circuit communicatively coupled to the drive unit and the alcohol sensor. The sensor circuit is configured to cause the drive unit to move the second-air chamber block relative to the first air-chamber block so as to cause the air-chamber unit to be in the closed or the open position.

Abstract: There is provided an exhaled breath moisture reduction system including a dryer mechanism and a connector adapted to connect the dryer mechanism proximate to a respiratory output device. There is also provided an exhaled breath sampling assembly including an airway adaptor and a moisture reduction sleeve comprising a material adapted to reduce moisture and a connector adapted to connect said sleeve substantially adjacent to a breath sampling inlet within the adaptor. Also provided, a method of sampling breath which includes attaching an exhaled breath moisture reduction sleeve substantially adjacent to a breath sampling inlet.

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: The invention application presents a fast, efficient, reproductive alternative of a non-invasive method for diagnosing the severity of heart failure based on a specific biomarker. An additional object of the present invention is a collector device for the biomarker from exhaled breath that is portable, simple, low cost and does not need to run on electric power. This invention advantageously permits the replacement of invasive diagnosis methods, favoring the patient's comfort in addition to the agility and speed of medical attention at hospitals, and may become a standard method for all suspected cases of circulatory disease and heart failure and, more specifically, decompensated heart failure.

Abstract: Vital sign monitoring is especially challenging in small animals, given the high metabolic rates and small volumes under consideration. An embodiment of the present invention includes a unique nose-cone design and associated instrumentation which allows for measurement of respiratory parameters, including anesthesia gas concentration, inspiratory and expiratory O2, and inspiratory and expiratory CO2 (capnometry). Such instrumentation facilitates a physiologic assessment of small animals undergoing general anesthesia, an increasingly important consideration as small animals play a greater role in in vivo biomedical studies. In addition, the techniques proposed herein are suitable for measurement on small respiratory volumes associated with neonatal monitoring.

Abstract: A nasal interface device delivers a high flow rate of a gas having a pressure that is adjustable to a patient. The device includes a nasal insert that is adapted to deliver pressurized breathing gas to a nasal cavity of the patient, and to receive expired air. The nasal insert has a pressurized breathing gas delivery port and an expired gas port. The expired gas port has a plurality of openings extending therethrough.

Abstract: An airway adaptor includes: a gas passage into which a respiratory gas of a subject is to flow; a respiratory gas introducing portion which is configured to guide the respiratory gas expired from at least one of nostrils and a mouth of the subject, to the gas passage; and an airway case on which a temperature sensor that is configured to detect a temperature change of the respiratory gas flowing into the gas passage is mountable.

Abstract: An endoscopic bite block, with teeth position defining regions which guide the subject's teeth to grip the bite block in their natural position, with the teeth of the upper jaw positioned further out than the lower jaw teeth. These teeth position defining regions are also preferably curved to match the curved shape of the jaw. The upper and lower parts of the front plate of the bite block may also be positioned at different distances out, so that upper and lower lip regions both contact the front plate snuggly. The bite block may be used with separate oral/nasal cannulae, or may incorporate breath sampling or gas supply cannulae. A flexible flapped curtain at the outer end of the bite block may be provided to largely enclose the inner volume of the bite block to enable more accurate capnographic sampling under conditions of wide-open mouth breathing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas sensing devices and to mouthpieces therefor. More particularly it relates to gas sensor devices for detecting gases in exhaled air, and to improved mouthpieces and mouthpiece interfaces for use with such devices. The invention also provides methods for using such devices and kits.

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 invention relates to an apparatus (2, 4) for tracking a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, including a gas passage (10) and a Venturi tube (16) having a cylindrical inlet (40) and outlet (42), said Venturi tube (16) being axially arranged in said gas passage (10), a first pressure sensor (101), and a second pressure sensor (102). The diameters (D1) of the inlet (40) and outlet (42) of the Venturi tube (16) are between 10 and 25 mm. The Venturi tube (16) includes, arranged in series between said inlet (40) and outlet (42), a convergent portion (44) having the shape of an arc (46, 48), a cylindrical neck (50), the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter (D1) of the inlet (40), and a divergent portion (52) characterized by an angle of divergence (?) of between 5° and 15°.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable, personal breath tester device for testing the blood alcohol content of the user of the device. The breath tester comprises a circuit board, wherein a sensor, a liquid crystal display, and a processing unit are installed on and electrically connected to the circuit board. The processing unit receives a voltage signal from the sensor representing the blood alcohol content of the user and converts the voltage signal to a precise value that is displayed on the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A portable alveolar gas measurement device and method of determining at least one alveolar gas level are disclosed. The device includes a structure that receives a sample portion of breath, and a gas sensor in communication with the structure that detects a gas level of a gas within the sample portion and provides a first signal indicative of the level. The device further includes circuitry coupled at least indirectly to the gas sensor, where the circuitry receives at least one of the first signal and a second signal related to the first signal, and where the circuitry provides at least some assistance in determining whether a portion of information provided by the at least one signal is used as an indication of an alveolar gas level. Additionally, the device includes an output device coupled to the circuitry that provides an output indicative of the first alveolar gas level.