36results about How to "Minimise any drying" patented technology

Methods and apparatus perform periodic breathing detection, such as Cheyne-Stokes respiration detection. The detection may be performed by one or more processors, such as by analysis of data from one or more sensors. In some cases, the detection may be based on an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, such as from ECG electrodes and / or an accelerometer signal, such as from an accelerometer. An occurrence of periodic breathing may be detected based on features derived from the signal(s). For example, detection may be based on deriving a respiration signal from the sensed signal(s) and / or analysis of RR interval times or relative QRS amplitude values, which may be evaluated on a segment-by-segment basis. The detection may provide monitoring and reporting of the occurrence of periodic breathing by a monitoring device and / or provide a basis for controlling changes to a provided respiratory treatment or therapy, such as by a respiratory pressure therapy device.

A patient interface system to treat sleep disordered breathing of a patient with pressurized gas, comprising: a patient interface; at least one strap; at least one retractor fixedly attached to the patient interface, said at least one retractor connected to the at least one strap and configured to retract the at least one strap without patient actuation; and at least one pad to cushion a rearward portion of the patient's head, said at least one pad having an opening, wherein said at least one strap passes through said opening to allow the at least one pad to move freely relative to said at least one strap.

A vent device for a respiratory device, comprising one or a plurality of vents configured with a variable aperture size for communicating a flow of breathable gas. Said vent device being configured so that the cross section profile exposed to the flow of breathable gas communicating through the vent does not change as the aperture size changes. A vent device may comprise of a plurality of the said vents, wherein the aperture size of each vent may be controlled independently or together, and may be controlled according to one or more input signals from one or more sensors. Examples of suitable input signals include flow, pressure, noise, accelerometer outputs, orientation of a patient or presence of any obstructions. A patient interface or a patient conduit may comprise the vent device, or the vent device may be configured to connect with a patient interface or a patient conduit.

A connection assembly for a respiratory therapy system, comprising: an outlet assembly, said outlet assembly including an outlet housing and a swivelling disc located on said outlet housing, said outlet housing and said swivelling disc defining, at least in part, a recess; an outlet connector located at an end of a tube portion, said outlet connector including an electrical connector; and a cable having a first end to connect to the electrical connector and a second end to connect to at least one electrical component of the respiratory therapy system, said cable having a slack portion, wherein said outlet connector and said swivelling disc are rotatable in unison between a first position and a second position, and wherein the slack portion of the cable extends from the recess and wraps around the swivelling disc as the swivelling disc is rotated from the first position to the second position.

A patient interface for supplying a flow of breathable gas to the airways of a patient may comprise a heat and moisture exchanger (HME). The HME may be positioned in a flow path of the flow of breathable gas. The HME may absorb heat and moisture from gas exhaled by the patient and the incoming flow of breathable gas to be supplied to the patient's airways may be heated and moisturized by the heat and moisture held in the HME.

A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is disclosed including a first unipolar plate having an active surface with a plurality of flowfield channels formed therein. The first unipolar plate further includes an inlet header disposed at a first end of the unipolar plate that is in communication with the active surface, and an outlet header disposed at a second end of the unipolar plate having an exhaust opening formed therethrough. A peripheral edge of the exhaust opening is chamfered and is also in communication with the active surface. The chamfered exhaust opening forms a water removal channel in the bipolar plate. A fuel cell stack including the bipolar plate is also disclosed.

Devices and systems with methods for detecting a sealing condition between a patient interface and a patient, and adjusting the patient interface to maintain the patient interface in sealing contact with the patient. The patient interface may include a sealing structure to form a seal on the patient, and a positioning structure to secure the sealing structure to the patient. The patient interface may include a sensor coupled to the sealing structure. A processor determines the sealing condition between the sealing structure and the patient based on a signal from the sensor, and adjusts at least one of the sealing structure and the positioning structure to maintain the sealing structure in sealing contact with the patient. A prediction system predicts a leak between the sealing structure and the patient based on the sensor signal. A learning system learns how to fit the sealing structure to the patient to form a seal.

A mascara dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes an applicator unit with an applicator brush attached to a revolving running staff surrounded by a stabilizing sleeve. The applicator unit is configured to automatically revolve the applicator brush in a selectable direction and / or at a selectable rotational speed via a control pad or switch. The system also includes a container unit that holds a mascara formulation or a replaceable mascara cartridge. In some embodiments, the mascara dispensing system includes features to extrude the mascara.

A method of an apparatus control pressure in the patient interface. A vent valve may be used with a respiratory device, where the vent valve may selectively block fluid communication between components, such as the flow generator, the patient interface, and / or the vent. An expiratory flow model may be used to determine an expiratory characteristic such as an expiratory flow rate or pressure in the patient interface where an indicative measure may not be available. The expiratory flow model may receive inputs based on a measure of the patient's respiration, such as the tidal volume, peak inspiratory flow rate or length of inspiration. The expiratory characteristic may be used by a controller to control a pressure in the patient interface to provide respiratory therapy to a patient at or close to a target pressure.

A patient interface comprises a frame, a headgear, a manifold and two nasal prongs. The frame may be recessed from the face of the patient, and preferably from the manifold so that the manifold may deform or move with respect to the face of the patient. The manifold may be further configured to be compliant in the direction of engagement with the patient's face, such as in the anterior direction. These features may allow the manifold to engage with the face of the patient, such as the upper lip, without exerting a significant pressure which may lead to patient discomfort. The manifold may also be configured to be rotatable with respect to the frame, for example by a grip feature which may be configured to be held in one hand for rotation.

Apparatus to permit a delivery of a flow of breathable gas to a patient's airways. In one version, a coupler extension may include a seat portion to permit use of a mask with a nasal cannula. In some versions, the coupler extension is configured to conduct the flow of gas to prongs of a nasal cannula. The seat portion can receive and seal with a cushion of a respiratory mask and may have a sealing bevel to promote sealing between the cushion of the respiratory mask and a facial contact surface of a user. In some versions, a conduit adapted to communicate a flow of gas may comprise a slit valve formed by a portion of the wall material of the conduit. In some versions, a nasal interface may include naris pillows to seal with and conduct a flow of breathable gas into a nares of a user. Each naris pillow may include a nasal projection to conduct a further flow of gas. The nasal projection may extend within the naris beyond the seal of the naris pillow.

A vent arrangement for a respiratory pressure therapy device may include one or a plurality of vents configured with a variable aperture for communicating a flow of breathable gas. The vent arrangement may be configured with a cross section profile exposed to the flow of breathable gas communicating through the vent that does not change as the aperture size changes. A vent arrangement may include a plurality of the vents and the aperture size of each vent may be controlled independently or together, and may be controlled according to one or more input signals from one or more sensors. Examples of suitable input signals include flow, pressure, noise, accelerometer outputs, orientation of a patient or presence of any obstructions. A patient interface or an air circuit may include the vent arrangement, or the vent arrangement may be configured to connect with a patient interface or an air circuit.

A mascara dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a motorized applicator unit with an applicator brush attached to a revolving running staff surrounded by a stabilizing sleeve. The motorized applicator unit is configured to automatically revolve the applicator brush in a selectable direction and / or at a selectable rotational speed via a control pad or switch. The system also includes a container unit that holds a mascara formulation or a replaceable mascara cartridge. The container unit detachably couples to the motorized applicator unit through one or more securing features that provide a user feedback when opening and closing and that provide a substantially air-tight seal between the motorized applicator unit and the container unit. In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, the container unit includes a contoured insert feature that minimizes the amount of air or space between the container unit and the motorized applicator unit when they are coupled together.

A connection assembly for a respiratory therapy system, comprising: an outlet assembly, said outlet assembly including an outlet housing and a swivelling disc located on said outlet housing, said outlet housing and said swivelling disc defining, at least in part, a recess; an outlet connector located at an end of a tube portion, said outlet connector including an electrical connector; and a cable having a first end to connect to the electrical connector and a second end to connect to at least one electrical component of the respiratory therapy system, said cable having a slack portion, wherein said outlet connector and said swivelling disc are rotatable in unison between a first position and a second position, and wherein the slack portion of the cable extends from the recess and wraps around the swivelling disc as the swivelling disc is rotated from the first position to the second position.

A packaging tray for a patient interface system, the patient interface system adapted to provide respiratory therapy, the packaging tray comprising: at least one cushion assembly region, each shaped to conform to at least a portion of a cushion assembly; a tube region shaped to conform to at least a portion of a tube; and a positioning and stabilising structure region shaped to conform to at least a portion of a positioning and structure.

A gas washout vent, and a patient interface with the gas washout vent, configured to allow patient-exhaled CO2 to flow to an exterior of the plenum chamber to minimise rebreathing of exhaled CO2 by the patient, the gas washout vent including at least one outlet orifice; a diffusing member at least partly covering the outlet orifice; and a blocking member having an air-impermeable material, the blocking member preventing gas exiting from the outlet orifice from flowing straight through the diffusing member.

A patient interface for supplying a flow of breathable gas to the airways of a patient may comprise a heat and moisture exchanger (HME). The HME may be positioned in a flow path of the flow of breathable gas. The HME may absorb heat and moisture from gas exhaled by the patient and the incoming flow of breathable gas to be supplied to the patient's airways may be heated and moisturized by the heat and moisture held in the HME.

A vent device for a respiratory device, comprising one or a plurality of vents configured with a variable aperture size for communicating a flow of breathable gas. Said vent device being configured so that the cross section profile exposed to the flow of breathable gas communicating through the vent does not change as the aperture size changes. A vent device may comprise of a plurality of the said vents, wherein the aperture size of each vent may be controlled independently or together, and may be controlled according to one or more input signals from one or more sensors. Examples of suitable input signals include flow, pressure, noise, accelerometer outputs, orientation of a patient or presence of any obstructions. A patient interface or a patient conduit may comprise the vent device, or the vent device may be configured to connect with a patient interface or a patient conduit.

A gas washout vent, and a patient interface with the gas washout vent, configured to allow patient-exhaled CO2 to flow to an exterior of the plenum chamber to minimise rebreathing of exhaled CO2 by the patient, the gas washout vent including at least one outlet orifice; a diffusing member at least partly covering the outlet orifice; and a blocking member having an air-impermeable material, the blocking member preventing gas exiting from the outlet orifice from flowing straight through the diffusing member.

Methods and apparatus perform periodic breathing detection, such as Cheyne-Stokes respiration detection. The detection may be performed by one or more processors, such as by analysis of data from one or more sensors. In some cases, the detection may be based on an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, such as from ECG electrodes and / or an accelerometer signal, such as from an accelerometer. An occurrence of periodic breathing may be detected based on features derived from the signal(s). For example, detection may be based on deriving a respiration signal from the sensed signal(s) and / or analysis of RR interval times or relative QRS amplitude values, which may be evaluated on a segment-by-segment basis. The detection may provide monitoring and reporting of the occurrence of periodic breathing by a monitoring device and / or provide a basis for controlling changes to a provided respiratory treatment or therapy, such as by a respiratory pressure therapy device.

A connection assembly for a respiratory therapy system, comprising: an outlet assembly, said outlet assembly including an outlet housing and a swivelling disc located on said outlet housing, said outlet housing and said swivelling disc defining, at least in part, a recess; an outlet connector located at an end of a tube portion, said outlet connector including an electrical connector; and a cable having a first end to connect to the electrical connector and a second end to connect to at least one electrical component of the respiratory therapy system, said cable having a slack portion, wherein said outlet connector and said swivelling disc are rotatable in unison between a first position and a second position, and wherein the slack portion of the cable extends from the recess and wraps around the swivelling disc as the swivelling disc is rotated from the first position to the second position.

A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is disclosed including a first unipolar plate having an active surface with a plurality of flowfield channels formed therein. The first unipolar plate further includes an inlet header disposed at a first end of the unipolar plate that is in communication with the active surface, and an outlet header disposed at a second end of the unipolar plate having an exhaust opening formed therethrough. A peripheral edge of the exhaust opening is chamfered and is also in communication with the active surface. The chamfered exhaust opening forms a water removal channel in the bipolar plate. A fuel cell stack including the bipolar plate is also disclosed.

A patient interface system to treat sleep disordered breathing of a patient with pressurized gas, comprising: a patient interface; at least one strap; at least one retractor fixedly attached to the patient interface, said at least one retractor connected to the at least one strap and configured to retract the at least one strap without patient actuation; and at least one pad to cushion a rearward portion of the patient's head, said at least one pad having an opening, wherein said at least one strap passes through said opening to allow the at least one pad to move freely relative to said at least one strap.

A vent arrangement for a respiratory pressure therapy device may include one or a plurality of vents configured with a variable aperture for communicating a flow of breathable gas. The vent arrangement may be configured with a cross section profile exposed to the flow of breathable gas communicating through the vent that does not change as the aperture size changes. A vent arrangement may include a plurality of the vents and the aperture size of each vent may be controlled independently or together, and may be controlled according to one or more input signals from one or more sensors. Examples of suitable input signals include flow, pressure, noise, accelerometer outputs, orientation of a patient or presence of any obstructions. A patient interface or an air circuit may include the vent arrangement, or the vent arrangement may be configured to connect with a patient interface or an air circuit.

A patient interface comprises a frame, a headgear, a manifold and two nasal prongs. The frame may be recessed from the face of the patient, and preferably from the manifold so that the manifold may deform or move with respect to the face of the patient. The manifold may be further configured to be compliant in the direction of engagement with the patient's face, such as in the anterior direction. These features may allow the manifold to engage with the face of the patient, such as the upper lip, without exerting a significant pressure which may lead to patient discomfort. The manifold may also be configured to be rotatable with respect to the frame, for example by a grip feature which may be configured to be held in one hand for rotation.

The present invention relates to a separator and a fuel cell stack comprising the same, and according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a separator comprising a plurality of channels including a bottom forming a flow space for a reaction gas to flow and a pair of sidewalls connected to the bottom, and a plurality of ribs provided so as to connect the sidewalls of two adjacent channels, wherein the sidewall of the channel is provided with a water storage part which is recessed inward and has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface connected by a first angle.