The present invention relates to patient interfaces optically indicating a user that a member of the patient interface needs to be replaced due to wear. In particular, the present invention relates to a member for patient interface which includes at least one functional material having a predefined functionality and at least one indicator wherein the concentration of the at least one indicator in the member correlates with the predefined functionality of the at least one functional material.

A method of fit testing includes providing a respirator donned by a wearer, providing an aerosol generator with a known aerosol output parameter, providing an enclosure that is physically supported around the wearer's head, where the aerosol generator delivers aerosol with the known aerosol output parameter that is at least partially contained within the enclosure around wearer's head, providing a sensor in electrical communication with a sensing element, where the sensor is operably connected to the respirator, and where the sensor is configured to monitor a particulate concentration parameter within the respirator, and providing a reader configured to communicate with the sensor, where the reader is configured to provide a respirator fit parameter based on a comparison of the particulate concentration parameter to the known aerosol output parameter.

A method of treating disorders in a human or animal subject may include heating a material containing a compound to a first temperature to form a heated volume of the material. The method may additionally include heating the heated volume to a higher second temperature to form a dose of vapor including the compound. The method may also include administering the dose of vapor to the subject to treat disorders such as pain. The method may further include pre-heating the material to a preliminary temperature prior to the heating to the first temperature. The heating and pre-heating may be performed with a capsule including two covering layers, each including an electrically conductive material, configured to hold the material therebetween and to generate heat by resistive heating.

An electrical sensor for sensing electromagnetic properties of process fluids in a dialysis machine or a similar medical device can include a probe for interfacing with the fluids that is made from electronic fabric materials. The electronic fabric probe can include one or more conductors embedded in a non-conductive fabric layer. The electronic fabric probe is accommodated an enclosure which establishes a flow path with respect to the probe to establish fluid contact between the process fluids and the conductors. The conductors can apply or sense current and/or voltage with respect to the fluid. A portion of the electronic fabric probe can be disposed externally of the enclosure to provide electronic communication externally of the enclosure.

A drug delivery system includes a reservoir and a drug delivery device coupled to the reservoir. The drug delivery device also may include at least one temperature-sensitive component and a lock having locked and unlocked states. The system further includes an output device, and a controller coupled to the lock and the output device. The controller may also include a temperature sensor, or may be coupled to the temperature sensor. The controller is programmed or configured to determine if the temperature of a drug in the reservoir or of the temperature-sensitive component exceeds an upper limit or is below a lower limit, and to activate the lock in either event. The controller is also programmed or configured to determine, directly or indirectly, if the temperature subsequently is between the upper and lower limits, and to unlock lock as a consequence.

There is provided a fit testing method comprising: providing a respirator donned by a wearer; providing a first sensor, where the sensor is configured to monitor a particulate concentration parameter within the respirator, where the first sensor is attached to the respirator such that the weight of the first sensor is supported by the respirator; providing a second sensor configured to monitor a particulate concentration parameter outside the respirator; and providing a reader configured to communicate with the sensor, where the reader is configured to provide a respirator fit parameter based on a comparison of the particulate concentration parameter within the respirator to the particulate concentration parameter outside the respirator.

Apparatus and methods are described for use with a portion of plant material that includes at least one active ingredient. A vaporizing unit includes a heating element configured to heat the plant material, and a sensor configured to detect an indication of airflow rate through the vaporizing unit. Control circuitry is configured to receive an indication of the airflow rate through the vaporizing unit, and, in response thereto, to determine a smoking profile that is desired by the user. The control circuitry drives the heating element to vaporize the active ingredient of the plant material by heating the plant material according to the determined smoking profile. The control circuitry dynamically updates the smoking profile in response to changes in airflow rate over the course of a smoking session. Other applications are also described.

Apparatus and methods are described for use with a portion of plant material that includes at least one active ingredient. A vaporizing unit includes a heating element configured to heat the plant material, and a sensor configured to detect an indication of airflow rate through the vaporizing unit. Control circuitry is configured to receive an indication of the airflow rate through the vaporizing unit, and, in response thereto, to determine a smoking profile that is desired by the user. The control circuitry drives the heating element to vaporize the active ingredient of the plant material by heating the plant material according to the determined smoking profile. The control circuitry dynamically updates the smoking profile in response to changes in airflow rate over the course of a smoking session. Other applications are also described.

An apparatus including a tubular channel having a pathway extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the tubular channel. The proximal end is configured to connect directly or indirectly to an end tidal CO.sub.2 monitor. The distal end has an opening. The apparatus further includes a detection member including a chamber disposed in fluid communication with the pathway of the tubular channel such that gas entering the tubular channel via the opening on the distal end passes into the chamber. A detection element is disposed within the chamber and includes a component that is sensitive to one or more systemic biomarkers such that, upon exposure to a predetermined concentration level of the one or more systemic biomarkers contained in the gas, a state of the detection element experiences a permanent alteration and the detection member indicates that the predetermined concentration level of the one or more systemic biomarkers is present in the gas.

Apparatus for transporting particles through a patient's trachea into the respiratory system include a delivery tube having at least a ventilation lumen and a particle delivery lumen. The delivery tube has a centering device near its distal tip, such as a balloon eccentrically mounted on the tube to position an outlet of the particle delivery lumen near a centerline of the trachea above the carina branching into the right and left bronchus. A proximal end of the delivery tube connects to a source of particles, and a controller may be provided to adjust a rate and/or an amount of the particles delivered to the patient. In a specific example, frozen particles are delivered to control core body temperature. In other instances, the particle may be a medicament or other substance for effecting other therapies or diagnostic procedures.