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Abstract

The present invention pertains generally to a monitoring system for a resuscitator which detects operation of the resuscitator and includes means for informing an operator of function. The monitoring system is triggered by a pressure signal provided by the cycling of the automatic resuscitator from a controlled inhalation phase to a controlled exhalation phase. The monitoring aspect of the system detects specifically a single point low pressure signals which are sequentially compared against an integrated time clock. Failure of the resuscitator system itself to generate a low pressure signal against the integrated time clock causes an alarm condition. Further, gas management is optionally effected by a flow controller integrated into the monitor, a gas management system which responds to the single point low pressure signal and operate a gas valve attached between a gas supply and an automatic resuscitator such that gas is allowed to flow to the resuscitator when the resuscitator is in an inhalation mode and gas flow is interrupted when the resuscitator is in an exhalation mode. The monitoring system includes a low threshold pressure sensor which is actuated by means of a recurrent low pressure pulse generated by the automatic resuscitator itself through the cycling of the resuscitator and remains essentially unaffected by the respiratory cycling of the patient, thus preventing false triggers and greatly simplifying the flow controller operation and format. The low threshold pressure sensor is coupled to a processor wherein the processor reads the occurrence of a pressure event at the pressure sensor and which then closes the gas supply valve and starts a clock. Once the clock reaches a pre-defined duration, the gas supply valve is reopened, the automatic resuscitator continues into an inhalation mode, and the process repeats.

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First Claim