Abstract:
The present invention relates to a patient interface and a patient interface system comprising a responsive material and a method for preventing the formation of red marks due to wearing a patient interface (10) that is pressing against the skin of a patient (14) for a longer time and/or for reducing air leakages of the patient interface (10) that may result from an unintended shift of the patient interface (10) on the patient's face. The responsive material is configured for alternating the pressure exerted by the cushion element (18, 26) on the patient (14), and/or the area on the patient where the pressure is exerted by the cushion element in response to a physical quantity acting on the responsive material. The formation of red marks and of air leakages can be reduced or even avoided by means of the responsive material.
Abstract:
An apparatus structured to contact external tissue, such as skin, of a user includes an elastomeric contacting portion that is structured to directly engage the external tissue. The contacting portion has an engineered surface (64A, 64B) that includes a plurality of non-random, predesigned surface features (70, 74B, 76B, 78B) designed to reduce friction and improve user comfort. In one implementation, the pitch (P) between each immediately adjacent pair of the surface features (70, 76B) is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum pitch value, and the height (H) of each of the surface features (70, 76B) is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum height value.
Abstract:
A self-lubricated sliding bearing for a rotary X-ray tube comprises a first bearing member, a second bearing member configured to concentrically enclose a portion of the first bearing member, and a lubricant comprised in a gap between cooperating surfaces of the first bearing member and the second bearing member. The cooperating surface of the second bearing member or the first bearing member comprises a first region comprising a pumping pattern configured to pump the lubricant. The cooperating surface of the second bearing member or the first bearing member comprises a second region having a modified pumping pattern or a smooth surface. The second region is disposed on the cooperating surface of the second bearing member or the first bearing member, such that a bearing force generated by the pumping action of the lubricant opposes a radial load force exerted on the self-lubricated sliding bearing to reduce an eccentricity of a longitudinal axis of the first bearing member with respect to a longitudinal axis of second bearing member.
Abstract:
A device (10) configured to detect the presence of metal artifacts in a patient's eye includes a head mount (14) configured to receive at least a portion of the patient's head. At least one inductor coil (12) is disposed on or in the head mount and positioned to inductively couple with at least one eye of the patient's head received into the head mount. An inductance meter (18) is operably connected to the at least one inductor coil to measure an inductance as a change of frequency of the at least one inductor coil. A processor (22) is programmed to: determine whether the inductance is greater than an inductance threshold value; and generate an indication of at least one metal artifact when the inductance is greater than the inductance threshold value. A display component (24) is configured to display the indication.
Abstract:
The invention provides an energy generation system comprising a generator having charged mutually rotating plate elements, and comprising an integrated drive mechanism for precisely controlling a separation distance between the plates. The drive mechanism provides a separation which varies as a function of the speed of rotation, hence assimilating separation control within the natural operation of the device. Embodiments provide plates comprising self-generating bearings, both hydrodynamic gas and fluid bearings and centrifugal regulator solid bearings, the bearings providing a supporting force between the plates of a magnitude which increases as the rotational speed of the plates increases. Methods of energy generation are also provided.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to hydrodynamic bearings, X-ray tubes, X-ray systems, and a method of manufacturing a hydrodynamic bearing for an X-ray tube. The rotor of a hydrodynamic bearing is supported, in steady-state operation, by the pressure of lubricant which is pumped through grooves in the rotor. When the rotor is speeding up or slowing down, the pumping force will not be sufficient to lift the rotor clear of a stationary bushing, and damage, caused by direct contact of the metal surfaces of the bearing, can occur. Providing special coatings on the bearing surfaces can ameliorate this effect.
Abstract:
A patient interface and a patient interface system comprise a responsive material and a method for preventing the formation of red marks due to wearing a patient interface that is pressing against the skin of a patient for a longer time and/or for reducing air leakages of the patient interface that may result from an unintended shift of the patient interface on the patient's face. The responsive material is configured for alternating the pressure exerted by the cushion element on the patient and/or the area on the patient where the pressure is exerted by the cushion element in response to a physical quantity acting on the responsive material. The formation of red marks and of air leakages can be reduced or even avoided by means of the responsive material.
Abstract:
A seal for a respiratory mask that includes a first end portion adapted to be coupled to a mask shell, a second end portion for sealing engagement with a face of a patient, and a sidewall extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. At least a portion of the second end portion includes a textured area having a predetermined pattern. The area of increased surface roughness provides the patient contacting portion of the seal with a silky feeling to maximize patient comfort and the effectiveness of the seal without impairing the sealing ability.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a detector, a patient interface and a patient interface system comprising this detector, and a method for preventing the formation of red marks due to the wearing of a patient interface (12) that is pressing against the skin of the patient (18) for a longer time. With the detector and via the method, the blood flow and/or the occlusion of the blood vessels of the patient (18) are monitored, and the assessed degrees are used as a basis to adjust the patient interface (12) in order to reduce the force pressing against the skin of the patient (18), such that the formation of red marks is prevented.
Abstract:
A patient interface device includes an elastomeric contacting portion that is structured to directly engage the skin of the user. The contacting portion has an engineered surface that includes a plurality of non-random, predesigned surface features designed to reduce friction and improve user comfort. In one implementation, the pitch between each immediately adjacent pair of the surface features is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum pitch value, and the height of each of the surface features is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum height value.