491 results about "Oxygen level" patented technology

Method and apparatus for controlling a ventilator are described. The invention can be used to control mechanical ventilators as well as respiratory assist devices such as CPAP machines. The apparatus receives input data indicative of patient's oxygen level. A controller determines PEEP, or CPAP, and FIO2, on the basis of data indicative of the patient's oxygen level. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus further receives input data indicative of patient's carbon dioxide levels, respiratory elastance and airway resistance, and barometric pressure. The controller further utilizes the said input data to determine the optimal values of tidal volume and breathing frequency for a next breath of the patient, and uses the respiratory elastance and airway resistance data to determine any necessary adjustments in the I:E ratio. The controller also applies safety rules, detects and corrects artifacts, and generates warning signals when needed.

A safety indicator monitors environment conditions detrimental to humans e.g., hazardous gases, air pollutants, low oxygen, radiation levels of EMF or RF and microwave, temperature, humidity and air pressure retaining a three month history to upload to a PC via infra red data interface or phone link. Contaminants are analyzed and compared to stored profiles to determine its classification and notify user of an adversity by stored voice messages from, via alarm tones and associated flashing LED, via vibrator for silent operation or via LCD. Environmental radiation sources are monitored and auto-scaled. Instantaneous radiation exposure level and exposure duration data are stored for later readout as a detector and dosimeter. Scans for EMF allow detection with auto scaling of radiation levels and exposure durations are stored for subsequent readout. Electronic bugs can be found with a high sensitivity EMF range setting. Ambient temperature measurements or humidity and barometric pressure can be made over time to predict weather changes. A PCS RF link provides wireless remote communications in a first responder military use by upload of alarm conditions, field measurements and with download of command instructions. The link supports reception of telemetry data for real time remote monitoring of personnel via the wrist band for blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate and blood oxygen levels are transmitted. Commercial uses include remote environmental data collection and employee assignment tasking. GPS locates personnel and reporting coordinates associated with alarm occurrences and associated environmental measurements.

Methods and apparatus for detecting oxygen saturation levels in blood from within an auditory canal of a living being proximal to a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The auditory canal is lined with tissue and includes a proximal bend and a distal bend located between the proximal bend and the tympanic membrane. Oxygen levels are detected by emitting one or more wavelengths of light into a first position on the tissue of the auditory canal in a first region defined by the distal bend and the tympanic membrane. The wavelengths of light are then sensed at a second position on the tissue of the auditory canal in the first region. A blood oxygen saturation level and / or pulse rate is then calculated responsive to intensity information corresponding to the wavelengths of light detected at the second position.

A wireless biopotential monitoring system composed of a wireless electrode module which can be attached to a disposable electrode strip. Such a device can be conveniently affixed to a patient's skin and will transmit the physiological signals to a remote receiver where the signals can be monitored by a clinician. The device is powered by a fuel-air battery. The device would remain packaged in an airtight package until it needs to be applied at which time either the wounded soldier would apply the device himself / herself or it would be applied by another soldier or corpsman. The device would begin to measure brainwave activity, heart rate, and dissolved oxygen level. The device would also identify the wounded soldier's location using the onboard GPS receiver. The physiologic data along with the soldier's position would then be transmitted to a remote receiver.

A safety indicator monitors environment conditions detrimental to humans e.g., hazardous gases, air pollutants, low oxygen, radiation levels of EMF or RF and microwave, temperature, humidity and air pressure retaining a three month history to upload to a PC via infra red data interface or phone link. Contaminants are analyzed and compared to stored profiles to determine its classification and notify user of an adversity by stored voice messages from, via alarm tones and associated flashing LED, via vibrator for silent operation or via LCD. Environmental radiation sources are monitored and auto-scaled. Instantaneous radiation exposure level and exposure duration data are stored for later readout as a detector and dosimeter. Scans for EMF allow detection with auto scaling of radiation levels and exposure durations are stored for subsequent readout. Electronic bugs can be found with a high sensitivity EMF range setting. Ambient temperature measurements or humidity and barometric pressure can be made over time to predict weather changes. A PCS RF link provides wireless remote communications in a first responder military use by upload of alarm conditions, field measurements and with download of command instructions. The link supports reception of telemetry data for real time remote monitoring of personnel via the wrist band for blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate and blood oxygen levels are transmitted. Commercial uses include remote environmental data collection and employee assignment tasking. GPS locates personnel and reporting coordinates associated with alarm occurrences and associated environmental measurements.

A system includes one or more devices for providing information about a physical condition or environmental hazard. Each device includes a sensor physically associated with the user for detecting a predetermined environmental hazard and / or a physical condition of the user. The device is usually in the form of a wristband patch or tag attached to the user. The one or more sensors are adapted to detect predetermined chemicals, biological organisms, radiation or user blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, oxygen level, glucose level, skin condition, or biological and chemical changes of the user. An electronic circuit communicates with the sensor and includes an alarm for notifying the user or a third party of elevated environmental hazards or abnormal physical conditions of the user. Typically, the electronic circuit includes a transmitter, such as a radio frequency transmitter, for conveying information obtained from the sensor and electronic circuitry to a third party.

During childbirth, trauma to the infant can readily arise, ultimately resulting in fetal hypoxia, academia, and brain damage. Such unfavorable conditions can be best ascertained by real-time monitoring of the fetus' blood-oxygen level, heart rate monitoring, EKG and EEG waveforms. This invention describes a system of monitoring devices to implement such goals and maximize the potential welfare of the fetus. It furthermore allows the formation of a reference database that can correlate intrapartum events from prior births. The embodiments utilize a small-diameter sensor inserted into the birth canal through a tubular insertion rod. Through wire, fiber optics, and or using a radio frequency link, fetal monitor data can be analyzed, compared to existing data base, and or transmitted via internet. This patent details various apparatuses that allow important life-sign parameters of a fetus to be continuously monitored.

An apparatus and method for measuring the key elements of human primary health is disclosed. The apparatus is in the form of a medical diagnostics unit capable of measuring Electrocardiogram (ECG), height, weight, body mass index (BMI), body temperature, hearing efficiency, lung function, pulse, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, urology and vision testing. The medical diagnostics unit includes an enclosure with a data card and / or fingerprint entry. The enclosure includes medical measuring devices which allow a patient to follow instructions on a touch screen visual display unit to conduct the desired tests and obtain the patient's health information. This information is stored locally as well as being transmitted to a doctor for review and evaluation. The automated medical diagnostics unit reduces the staffing requirements to obtain a patient's basic health information.

An apparatus to detect the onset of sleep apnea, and to provide an automated way to awaken the sleeping patient at the onset of sleep apnea. The apparatus may also contain a recording device or computer that captures blood oxygen levels and pulse rates throughout the period of sleep, and may contain computer programs, algorithms, subroutines or logic to determine the level of blood oxygen and pulse rate that indicates the onset of a sleep apnea event. The method of arousing the patient from sleep at the onset of a sleep apnea event will decrease or eliminate the occurrence of sleep apnea, arrhythmia, and partial epilepsy over time.

A portable heater adapted for use in a recreational enclosure or temporary work enclosure includes a housing having an air inlet on the lower front face. A gas supply is partially enclosed by the housing which provides propane to the mouth of a burner venturi located within the housing. Air is drawn through the air inlet and also enters the mouth of the burner venturi. The air and gas are mixed thoroughly as they travel upwardly through the burner venturi. A chimney effect increases fresh air flow velocity into the burner venturi and allows the heater to operate at a reduced fuel gas pressure. Upon exiting the burner venturi, the air / gas mixture is to a plenum and radiant surface where combustion takes place. Any conventional means may be provided to ignite the air / gas mixture in order to cause combustion. The combustion products deflect off a deflector, which is cooled on a rear face by air flow through the housing, which decreases the temperature of the combustion products before exiting an outlet. An oxygen depletion system (ODS) shuts off the portable heater when oxygen levels begin to drop and consequently carbon monoxide levels begin to rise.

Methods and apparatus for detecting oxygen saturation levels in blood from within an auditory canal of a living being proximal to a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The auditory canal is lined with tissue and includes a proximal bend and a distal bend located between the proximal bend and the tympanic membrane. Oxygen levels are detected by emitting one or more wavelengths of light into a first position on the tissue of the auditory canal in a first region defined by the distal bend and the tympanic membrane. The wavelengths of light are then sensed at a second position on the tissue of the auditory canal in the first region. A blood oxygen saturation level and / or pulse rate is then calculated responsive to intensity information corresponding to the wavelengths of light detected at the second position.

The present invention relates generally to a pharmaceutical packaging for increasing the product shelf life, reducing discoloration, and reducing degradation of pharmaceuticals by reducing the oxygen level present in the pharmaceutical package. The pharmaceutical package comprises a substantially oxygen impermeable container, at least one oxygen scavenging element disposed in the container, and at least one packaged pharmaceutical product disposed in the oxygen impermeable container.

A system and method that provides adjustable diaphragmatic pacing to a patient having an associated neurological deficit with adjustments occurring automatically in response to the patient's physiological need. In a first implementation, physiological need is determined according to the patient's activity level, e.g., as determined by the patient's motion as detected by one or more accelerometers. In a second implementation, physiological need is determined by an oximeter measuring the current oxygen level of the patient's blood. In a third implementation, physiological need is determined by a combination of the first and second implementation according to sensed motion and sensed oxygen level. Preferably, systems of the present invention are implantable and powered by rechargeable batteries and may be integrated with a system of implantable devices that restores motor functions to an injured patient and this restoration then requires an adjustable respiration rate in response to the patient's restored movements.

Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for controlling the oxidant feed in low emission turbine systems to maintain stoichiometric or substantially stoichiometric combustion conditions. In one or more embodiments, such control is achieved by diverting a portion of the recirculating exhaust gas and combining it with the oxidant feed to maintain a constant oxygen level in the combined oxidant-exhaust stream fed to the combustion chamber.

Method and apparatus for controlling a ventilator are described. The invention can be used to control mechanical ventilators as well as respiratory assist devices such as CPAP machines. The apparatus receives input data indicative of patient's oxygen level. A controller determines PEEP, or CPAP, and FIO2, on the basis of data indicative of the patient's oxygen level. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus further receives input data indicative of patient's carbon dioxide levels, respiratory elastance and airway resistance, and barometric pressure. The controller further utilizes the said input data to determine the optimal values of tidal volume and breathing frequency for a next breath of the patient, and uses the respiratory elastance and airway resistance data to determine any necessary adjustments in the I:E ratio. The controller also applies safety rules, detects and corrects artifacts, and generates warning signals when needed.

A method and system for the extracorporeal treatment of blood to remove fluid from the fluid overloaded patient is disclosed that non-invasively measures an oxygen level in the venous blood. The oxygen blood level is used to detect when hypotension is about to occur in a patient. The oxygen level measurements are used as feedback signals. These feedback signals are applied to automatically control the rate of fluid extraction to achieve the desired clinical outcome and avoid precipitating a hypotensive crisis in the patient.

A method of using an oximeter sensor assembly including the steps of detecting light from a light emitting element and storing digital data in a memory associated with the sensor assembly. The stored digital data includes coefficients for use by an oximeter monitor coupled to the sensor assembly to calculate data from the detected light, wherein the coefficients represent a combination of different sensor-specific characteristics, application-specific characteristics, and patient-specific characteristics. Control means including means for processing received information signals in accordance with the equation in response to received coefficients to determine blood oxygen levels is provided.

This invention sets forth a commercially viable diesel combustion system that meets environmentally acceptable levels of NOx emissions (i.e. 0.2 g / bhp-hr or lower across a full map of engine speeds and loads) without the need for use of NOx aftertreatments, and simultaneously maintains engine-out PM emissions relatively close (e.g. with smoke levels at or below 3 BSN) to environmentally acceptable PM post-aftertreatment levels. The invention achieves these results by operating within a unique combination of parameters. These parameters comprise: (1) charge-air oxygen concentration below 16%, preferably between 10% and 15%, more preferably between 11% and 14%, and most preferably between 12% and 13.5% for virtually all engine operating conditions (but not necessarily at no-load or low load conditions), (2) fuel injection pressures at or exceeding 1800 bar, preferably exceeding 2100 bar, more preferably exceeding 2300 bar, and most preferably exceeding 2500 bar, at most engine speeds and loads, and (3) charge-air mass / fuel mass ratio between 25:1 and 45:1 for medium and high loads. Furthermore, the system is preferably run continuously slightly lean of stoichiometry, providing just enough excess oxygen to facilitate completeness of combustion and to maintain an exhaust oxygen level sufficient for continuous trap regeneration at a balance point in operation.

Optical sensor devices, image processing devices, methods and computer readable code computer-readable storage media for detecting biophysical parameters, chemical concentrations, chemical saturations, vital signs and physiological information such as a malignant condition are provided. In some embodiments, the optical sensor includes an array of photodetectors, where each photodetector is configured to detect a spectrum of light. In some embodiments, the image processing device receives a live still or video electronic image, or alternatively, the electronic image is provided from an electronic storage media. Exemplary physiological parameters include but are not limited to a pulse rate, a biophysical or physiological property of skin, a cardiovascular property, a property related to an organ such as the liver or the kidneys, and a temperature fluctuation. In some embodiments, the physiological parameter is indicative of a malady including but not limited to an autoimmune disease, a cancer, a nutritional deficiency, a malignant condition of bone marrow, a present of an infectious microbe such as a fungus, a present of hepatitis, and a cardiovascular disorder a pulmonary disorder. Exemplary chemical concentrations include but are not limited to a chemical saturation, a pH level, a pH level in blood vessels such as capillarys or in skin, a glucose level such as a blood glucose level, a urea nitrogen level such as a blood urea nitrogen level, a CO2 level such as a blood CO2 level or a CO2 saturation level, and an oxygen level such as a blood oxygen level or a blood oxygen saturation level. In some embodiments, the biophysical parameter, physiological parameter or chemical concentration is obtained from reflecting light from tissue from a mammalian subject. Alternatively one or more of these parameters are detected from a food item such as food tissue, a consumable beverage such as an alcoholic beverage, a dairy product, wine, a baked good, a fruit and a vegetable. Exemplary parameters related to food items include but are not limited to a parameter indicative of cooking or spoilage, a pH, a concentration of an antioxidant, and a concentration of an anti-inflammatory agent.

A system includes one or more devices for providing information about a physical condition or environmental hazard. Each device includes a sensor physically associated with the user for detecting a predetermined environmental hazard and / or a physical condition of the user. The device is usually in the form of a wristband patch or tag attached to the user. The one or more sensors are adapted to detect predetermined chemicals, biological organisms, radiation or user blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, oxygen level, glucose level, skin condition, or biological and chemical changes of the user. An electronic circuit communicates with the sensor and includes an alarm for notifying the user or a third party of elevated environmental hazards or abnormal physical conditions of the user. Typically, the electronic circuit includes a transmitter, such as a radio frequency transmitter, for conveying information obtained from the sensor and electronic circuitry to a third party.

An intelligently controlled catalytic converter automatically monitors various operating parameters, such as water jacket temperature, catalytic input temperature, catalytic converter output temperature, oxygen level, ambient temperature, ambient humidity and / or ambient barometric air pressure, of a biofuel-fired device and automatically controls dampers, blowers and electric heaters in the device.

A system and method is provided for use with a duel-fuel fumigation system. The system injects a gaseous-fuel flow into the air intake stream of a diesel engine. As presented, the system is operative to meter the gaseous-fuel flow into the diesel engine based on one or more engine parameters such as, for example, exhaust gas temperature, exhaust oxygen levels, engine speed, engine load and / or engine inlet pressure. Monitoring one or more engine parameters allows fine-tuning the flow of gaseous fuel into the engine and thereby prevents loss of engine power at high-end loads while maintaining favorable emission outputs over substantially the entire operating range of the engine.

A system and method is provided to reduce particulate and NOx emissions from diesel engines through the use of a duel-fuel fumigation system. The system injects a gaseous-fuel flow into the air intake stream of a diesel engine. This results in more complete combustion within the engine as well as reduced diesel fuel usage, which each work to reduce emission outputs of the engine. As presented, the system is operative to meter the gaseous-fuel flow into the diesel engine based on one or more engine parameters such as, for example, exhaust gas temperature, exhaust oxygen levels, engine speed and / or engine load. Monitoring one or more engine parameters allows fine-tuning the flow of gaseous fuel into the engine and thereby prevents loss of engine power at high-end loads while maintaining favorable emission outputs over substantially the entire operating range of the engine.

A diagnostic method and apparatus for detecting at least one change in a urinary parameter indicative of a body malfunction, the method comprising at least semi-continuously monitoring in real time at least one of a sodium level, an oxygen level, a potassium level, and combinations thereof in the urine of a catheterized patient; whereby at least one parameter is monitored so as to detect one or more changes in the at least one parameter to reflect at least one of a fluid state, an electrolyte balance, a kidney state, a kidney perfusion and an organ perfusion in the patient, indicative of the body malfunction in the patient, in which the monitoring is preferably performed through electrodes that are arranged perpendicularly to the flow of urine through a patient's catheter system.

A diagnostic method and apparatus for detecting at least one change in a urinary parameter indicative of a body malfunction, the method comprising at least semi-continuously monitoring in real time at least one of a sodium level, an oxygen level, a potassium level, and combinations thereof in the urine of a catheterized patient; whereby at least one parameter is monitored so as to detect one or more changes in the at least one parameter to reflect at least one of a fluid state, an electrolyte balance, a kidney state, a kidney perfusion and an organ perfusion in the patient, indicative of the body malfunction in the patient, in which the monitoring is preferably performed through electrodes that are arranged perpendicularly to the flow of urine through a patient's catheter system.

Improved carbon dioxide sensors are disclosed which are less sensitive to the moisture content of the environment and which are substantially insensitive to oxygen levels under normal working conditions. The CO2 sensor comprises a pH indicator and long-lived reference luminophore and a porous sol-gel matrix. Combined CO2 and O2sensors are also described. Further disclose are methods of printing sensor onto substrates.

Method and apparatus for monitoring, controlling and adjusting sleeper's environmental conditions of the space above entire bed surface by partially sealing and insulating the space above the entire bed surface; monitoring, controlling and adjusting temperature, quality, oxygen level and moisture level of the air within the partially sealed and insulated space according combinational factors of the sleeper's preferences, the sleeper's physiological conditions, heat transfer rate between sleeper's body and ambient air, the internal conditions and external conditions of the partially sealed and insulated space. In particular, a system uses a three-dimensional structure to partially seal and insulate an adequate amount of space above entire bed surface; uses physiological state sensors, thermometers, thermostats, heating device, cooling device, humidistat (hygrostat), humidifier and dehumidifier, oxygen sensor, oxygen supply device, air filtration device to monitor, control and adjust the temperature, moisture level, oxygen level and quality of the air inside the partially sealed and insulated space.

A ventilation system that includes a fan for providing fresh air within an infant's sleeping area. The fan may be mounted to the infant's sleeping device and may include fan guards surrounding the fan for increased safety. The ventilation system may include a sensing device for monitoring the conditions within the infant's sleeping area. The sensing device may monitor the oxygen level, the carbon dioxide level, and the presence of smoke. The sensing device may monitor for additional toxic gasses or hazardous conditions within the infant's sleeping area. The ventilation system may further include a remote receiver that receives signals from the sensing device if a hazardous condition exists within the infant's sleeping area. The ventilation system may further include local and remote alarms configured to provide notification of a hazardous condition within the infant's sleeping area.

Method and apparatus to non-invasively measure fetal blood oxygen saturation levels. Optical sensors capable of producing and detecting multiple wavelengths of tissue penetrating light are placed on the surface of the maternal abdomen, and the light beams directed to pass through at least a portion of the uterus containing the fetus. The fetal heart rate is monitored by Doppler ultrasound, and pure maternal optical signal related to maternal arterial blood flow are also measured. The optical sensors collect composite signals containing both maternal and fetal hemoglobin absorption spectral data and modulated by their respective pulsatile blood flows. The composite signals processed in the time domain and frequency domain, the pure maternal pulsatile optical signal used to extract the maternal contribution to the composite signal, and the fetal pulsatile signal is used to lock onto and extract the fetal contribution to the composite signal, and a fetal blood oxygen level deduced.