Abstract:
There is disclosed a vaporizer apparatus for a compressed tablet formed from a plant source material containing medicinal ingredients of therapeutic efficacy. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes: a holder for a compressed tablet; a microprocessor; a controlled air flow; and a controlled heat source; wherein the microprocessor is adapted to control the air flow and the heat source to vaporize the compressed tablet received in the compressed tablet holder at a desired rate. In another embodiment, the vaporizer apparatus includes a carousel for receiving a disc cartridge containing packaged compressed tablets. In still another embodiment, the vaporizer apparatus is adapted to recognize a type of compressed tablet placed into the holder, and to control an air flow and a heat source based on selected therapeutic compounds desired to be released from the recognized type of compressed tablet.
Abstract:
A method is provided for detecting filter clogging which are able to keep track of the filter clogging with precision and in detail. At least one pressure selected from the group consisting of a pressure Pa in a blood inflow portion (32a), a pressure Pv in a blood outflow portion (32b), a pressure Pf1 in a filtrate inflow portion (32c), and a pressure Pf2 in a filtrate outflow portion (32d) is measured continuously, then a variation (pressure waveform) of the pressure is analyzed, a clogging of a filter (32) is detected using the analyzed result. Thereby a clogging of a filter is detected early. As a result, it is possible to prevent from developing of the filter clogging by controlling a dosage amount of anti-coagulant properly and changing a flow rate of blood. The variation of the pressure wave may be analyzed by subjecting the variable to Fast Fourier Transform.
Abstract:
The invention features methods and apparatus for the treatment of asthma patients. A controlled supply of breathable air delivered to a patient interface or mask (4) is controlled for patient comfort to maintain a steady pressure level in a range 2 to 4 cm H2O to accommodate patient respiration. The breathable air is cleaned by a high efficiency particulate arresting filter (10) to remove allergens from the air supply. The apparatus may be programmed to automatically detect asthma-related symptoms such as an asthma attack by analyzing the respiratory flow of the patient. In response to the detection of such an attack, the apparatus may provide an audible warning or if configured with a treatment delivery module (14A, 14B), the device may administer a therapeutically effective dose of a drug or substance, for example, a broncho-dilator, to alleviate the patient's breathing difficulty. Preferred mask designs allow for proper CO2 washout to accommodate the low pressures supplied to the mask and prevent asphyxia.
Abstract:
An extracorporeal blood perfusion system (1) includes a disposable assembly (100) and a control unit (10) having a control interface region (50). The interface region includes pump assemblies (31-36) for selective pumping of venous blood, arterial blood, cardioplegia solution, suctioned blood, and blood removed from the left ventricle. Valve assemblies control the flow of fluids through the assembly and to/from the patient and sensors monitor various fluid parameters including temperature and pressure within the various fluid circuits. The user interface (50) is a functional screen interface for effecting the operation of the control unit and valve assemblies. The screen interface may be a touch screen having objects that corresponds to the component interface region. The display (54) may be selectively controlled to provide graphic depictions of disposable assembly components with corresponding narrative instructions.
Abstract:
A device for aerosolizing a liquid includes a chamber (502) having a deformable wall (510) which expands and contracts as fluid is delivered and expelled from a fluid chamber (500). The chamber is partially bounded by a vibrating structure (506) having holes (504) therein for expelling the fluid. In another aspect, the invention provides exemplary aerosolization apparatus (300) and methods for aerosolizing a substance. A liquid is transferred from a first chamber (328) into a second chamber (330) having a substance that is in a dry state to form a solution. The solution is then transferred from the second chamber and onto an atomization member (308). The atomization member is operated to aerosolize the solution.
Abstract:
A machine for conducting dialsis of body fluids of a patient is disclosed. The machine (22) includes integral water preparation and treatment (24), dialysate preparation (26), and extracorporeal circuit modules (28), under computer control from a patient interface and control module (25). A water pretreatment module (20) with a temperature-controlled mixing valve (36), an integral water filtration and conditioning unit (40) and a pressure relief valve (38) with integral water sample removal port (78) supplies water to the machine (22). Methods off disinfecting and cleaning dialysis machine (22), a method of conducting dialysis, a method of automatically testing the integrity of a dialysate filter and/or a dialyzer, and a method of approximating the sodium clearance of a dialyzer are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A humidifier for humidification of air to be delivered to a patient's airways may include a humidification chamber, a reservoir and a water delivery mechanism. The humidification chamber may include a water retention feature such as a wick that encloses part of the flow path, a heating element for heating the humidification chamber, and an air flow baffle configured to promote humidification. The humidifier may be further configured to execute one or more algorithms, for example to determine a condition of the wick or to detect condensation in the flow path. In some forms, the humidifier may also comprise algorithms for controlling one or more components of the humidifier such as to control the build up of foreign matter on the wick.
Abstract:
A respiratory assistance apparatus is configured to provide a heated and humidified flow of gases and has a control system that is configured to detect a fault in the flow path. A flow path is provided for a gases stream through the apparatus from a gas inlet through a blower unit and humidification unit to a gases outlet. A flow rate sensor is provided in the flow path and is configured to sense the flow rate and generate an flow rate signal and/or a motor speed sensor is provided that is configured to sense the motor speed of the blower unit and generate an indicative motor speed signal.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method and to a device for measuring pressure signals in a blood treatment system, whereby system changes can be identified. Additionally, it can be differentiated in a reliable manner between system changes occurring in the direction of the blood flow and the transmembrane direction in order to ensure that specific action can be taken.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method and to a device for measuring pressure signals in a blood treatment system, whereby system changes can be identified. Additionally, it can be differentiated in a reliable manner between system changes occurring in the direction of the blood flow and the transmembrane direction in order to ensure that specific action can be taken.