Mechanical lungs

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the invention, an apparatus is provided for simulating and monitoring a respiration pattern of a human.
The apparatus generally includes a reservoir having an outlet an actuator disposed in the reservoir for moving fluid in and out of the reservoir, and a control unit coupled to the actuator for controlling the actuator to simulate a respiration pattern of a human.
In another aspect, a method is provided for simulating and monitoring a respiration pattern of a human.
The method generally includes steps of generating a waveform defining the respiration pattern and controlling an actuator to move fluid in and out of a reservoir based on the waveform.
Advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.