FR2517962A1 - ARTIFICIAL BREATHING APPARATUS - Google Patents

Abstract

THE ARTIFICIAL BREATHING APPARATUS HAS AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL AND A DIGITAL COMPUTER TO DETERMINE THE RESPIRATORY FREQUENCY WHICH ARE MADE BY INTEGRATED CIRCUITS AND CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER. THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL IS A SEQUENTIAL CONTROL COMPOSED OF SHIFT REGISTERS WHICH ARE CONNECTED TO PERIPHERAL ELEMENTS INTENDED TO CONTROL THE PACE OF THE VOLUME AND THE PRESSURE DURING THE ARTIFICIAL BREATHING PROCESS. THE SHIFT REGISTERS ARE ALSO RELATED TO CONTROL MODULES INTENDED FOR THE FORMATION OF LIMIT VALUES IN THE EVENT OF A COMBINATION OF DANGEROUS PARAMETERS FOR THE PATIENT. THE APPARATUS ALSO INCLUDES A DEVICE FOR THE DIGITAL VISUALIZATION OF THE RESPIRATORY FREQUENCY.

Description

The present invention relates to a breathing apparatus

  artificial which comprises control devices for the implementation of numerous respiratory methods and which are produced from integrated building elements and elements derived therefrom, and which comprise a control system

  timed for inspiration phase and expiration phase

  ration as well as an optical display device for the parameters, in particular a display device

respiratory rate.

  In recent artificial respiration devices, different breathing methods can

  be controlled by artificial respiration systems

  uniform form such as intermittent positive pressure artificial respiration (IPPV) or optionally also assisted and in combination with an overpressure at the end of expiration (PEEP) by continuous and positive pressure functions of the respiratory tract during all phases of spontaneous respiration (CPAP), by forced and intermittent artificial respiration (IMV) or by assisting or controlling it as desired The combination of these functions also makes it possible to control other states (HFIIP / ZEEP / NEEP / function Sigh / Flow function accelerated, decelerated and constant) and it is possible to obtain

  a variable choice of limit values as well as a visual

  variable reading of selected parameters.

  1.1 is characteristic for the many known artificial respiration devices that their working cycle comprises an inspiration phase and an expiration phase These phases are controlled either by the pressure cycle or by the time cycle For this purpose, it is possible to provide a device for selection

modules.

  When ordering as a function of time, the two phases are regulated by separate timing mechanisms allowing a ratio between the breathing times and a corresponding frequency to be obtained. It is also possible to choose the frequency and the ratio in advance. between the breathing times so as to obtain corresponding inspiration and expiration times (patent application DE 2 745 309) The invariable division of the work cycle or the breathing period into an inspiration phase and however, an expiration phase is detrimental to training

  optimal db characteristic of artificial respiration

  due to the fact that this division offers no possibility of taking control signals for the actuation of regulating members and that the various phases of respiration can only be acted upon

  limited way and through ad-

  Complicated procedures This impossibility of being able to take control signals does not make it possible to vary, precisely by means of a control technique and while retaining the same mechanisms, the shape of the respiratory curve, as regards

  volume and pressure, without creating inconvenience.

  To create, for example, a rest time between the inspiration phase and that of expiration, it is necessary to provide an additional delay circuit which

  reduces either the inspiration time or the expiration time

  effective ration and which therefore changes the basic or reference conditions for the choice of rest time

by doctors.

  The implementation of forced and intermittent artificial respiration (IMV) also requires the presence of a special time delay mechanism which can, however, have its effect between breathing periods in order to be able to have a period of time for spontaneous breathing. The method used of the reduction of the frequency also has a drawback of the fact that the passage from the intermittent artificial respiration by positive pressure (IPPV) to the forced and intermittent artificial respiration (IMV) or vice versa can be carried out only in a way

  relatively abrupt (patent application DE 2 746 924).

  When you want to create a pressure at the end of expiration (PEEP) you use, among others, a mechanically operating device, for example a PEEP valve which during the chosen expiration phase closes the expiration opening as soon as a preselected pressure is reached The known devices however undesirably increase the resistance to exhalation and they frequently exhibit a tendency to oscillate and create annoying noises

  (Anaesthesia 1977, volume 32, No 2, pages 138 to 147).

  Patent application DE 2 745 528 describes an artificial respiration device which attempts to remedy these undesirable drawbacks by providing a control unit which performs electronic commands and calculations as well as pneumatic control and regulation for a number of respiratory methods listed above This known device simultaneously creates an artificial respiration system which makes it possible to apply a gaseous respiratory pressure current to the patient, drawers being actuated by electrical signals to control

  the gas stream feeding the patient for the ins-

  piration and expiration The purpose of electronic control is to allow selection and adjustment of different parameters such as pressure,

  respiratory rate, volume, etc. The pneumatic part

  tick of the control unit fulfills various functions, in particular the adjustment of the pressure of the administered gas as well as its adjustment within the supply circuit

the patient.

  Control of vital respiratory parameters

  such as deep breathing, inter-

  valley between the respiratory phases, the posi-

  tive and exhalation pressure (PEEP), continuous and positive airway pressure functions (CPAP) and auxiliary functions require, in addition to a large number of electronic and pneumatic components and logical combinations, electronic units complexes that order according to a suite

  logical closing and opening of floor drawers -

  noide The processes for self-controlled inhalation

  matically are then produced using comparator circuits, the return of which to a switching state

  determined causes, on the one hand, the numerical representation

  risk of respiratory phases calculated per minute and, on the other hand, each time starts a new

  conversion period and a new conversion cycle.

  It is probable that this relatively complicated but perfectly feasible solution from the technical point of view, makes it possible to reproduce the functions of numerous respiratory methods and other reproducible states with satisfactory quality, but the design of the circuits of this known device is very complicated, in particular in regarding circuits

  servo system comprising several solids drawers

  empty and intended for comparison devices and

  time control devices.

  Even when, in accordance with patent application DE 2 910 094, a program control and a combination of valves or valves for time control are used, the various respiratory methods can only be carried out using mechanisms

  additional bringing disadvantages.

  The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks

  venients defined above and to avoid complicated circuits It aims in particular to obtain a very

  great variability in the characteristic of the respi-

  artificial ration without the use of ad-

  complicated procedures, while at the same time allowing

  the formation of logical limit values for combinations

  of dangerous parameters, and visualization

optics of the chosen parameters.

  The object of the present invention is therefore to create

  a control device for breathing apparatus

  artificial ration which is carried out by means of integrated circuits and which presents within the breathing period several possibilities of intermediate connections from which can be controlled on the one hand peripheral construction groups for controlling the pace of the volume and pace

  pressure during the breathing process

  and secondly, control modules

  for the formation of limit values and for the visualization

optical listion.

  The problems set out above are solved in accordance with the invention by an artificial respiration device which is characterized in that it comprises an electronic control and a digital computer for the respiratory rate which are produced by integrated circuits and connected to the one to the other, in that the electronic control is a sequential control made up of shift registers which are equipped with peripheral construction groups - for controlling the pace of the volume and the pace of the pressure during the process of artificial respiration, and control modules for the formation of limit values of combinations of parameters dangerous for the

  patient, and who are connected to a visualization device

  digital frequency and that for com-

  using the different respiratory methods, while making it possible to obtain an optimal characteristic of artificial respiration, the shift registers are arranged so that it is possible to create any conditions for the different respiratory periods and for the processes of artificial respiration through a logical combination of Qn with

  single or multi-way valves.

  An advantageous embodiment of the object of the invention is characterized in that the sequential control comprises four four-bit shift registers which are connected in series and each comprise a four-bit up-down counter and a binary decoder 1 16, in that the four-bit shift registers are each connected to a sixteen-pole switch which are logically combined on the one hand,

  with three flip-flops and three electromagnetic valves

  gnetics mounted as a result of these, by means of two quadrupole switches and two identical shift registers at three bits and, on the other hand, with a third identical shift register at three bits, in that the two first three-bit shift registers are connected, with each other, on the one hand directly and, on the other hand, via an eight-pole switch, in that the shift registers with four bits are connected via a bipolar switch with a rectangular pulse generator and in that two of the four-bit shift registers are further connected to a three-pole switch via

  a frequency divider with a ratio of 1: 8.

  A practical embodiment of the subject of the invention is characterized in that the rectangular pulse generator is connected to the clock inputs of the four-bit shift registers which are logically combined by the outputs of their sixteen switches poles with the third register

  with three-bit shift delivering the start pulse

  rage for the digital calculation of the respiratory rate and which has on its output side a connection to transmit the time signal of the phase times

  of breathing t to t 4 at the activation inputs of the

  four-bit shift registers which, at the rate of the clock frequencies indicated, switch the electromagnetic valves by means of quadrupole switches and flip-flops. Another embodiment is characterized in that the sixteen-pole switch controlling the time of the breathing phase t 4 is connected by its output to the signaling conductor of an assistance device which can be connected directly to the

  by means of an OR circuit, and in that the electro-

  magnetic connected to the first flip-flop and

  to the second flip-flop are connected in parallel-

  lele on their side of the breathing gas via

  adjustable flow throttle valves.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the digital computer for the respiratory rate is constituted by a computer element with a unit

  display, a four-bit shift register

  mandating the chronological succession of the introduction of the data into the computer as well as by two other four-bit shift registers intended to determine the duration of the respiratory period, by two flip-flops used for triggering the control and counting processes and by ten AND circuits intended for the logical introduction of numbers and signs into

the calculator element.

  In a preferred embodiment of the ap-

  similar to artificial respiration according to the invention,

  the particular design of the computer for the frequency

  this respiratory is characterized in that the rocker

  bistable logically combined with electro-

  connection is connected to the clock input receiving the frequency

  quence of the computer f? of the first four-bit shift register whose outputs have a connection

  with AND circuits and through them

  8 - negate with the calculator element, with the exception of an output connected to the input R of the flip-flop and to the input of activation of the shift register, one of the outputs of this shift register with four bits being further connected to input S of the second low

  bistable cule and another outlet-being also short-

  additionally connected to the input R of the same flip-flop as well as to the activation inputs of the two four-bit shift registers determining the duration of the respiratory period, in that one of the outputs of the shift register with four bits, whose clock input receives the pulses f ZY is connected, on the one hand, to the activation input of the same register and, on the other hand, to the clock input of l other four bit shift register and in that the other outputs of these two four bit shift registers are

  logically and directly combined with the cal-

  culateur which is connected through the posts

  AND to a signal generator and a visualization unit

station.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the electronic control and the calculator for the

  respiratory rate logically combined with -

  control form a compact unit that presents more

  various means of adjustment and switching which can be

  Maneuvered from the outside Thanks to these com- ponents

  mande arranged on the front plate of the artificial respiration device and logically connected to micro-circuits of the compact unit it is possible, according to the invention, to select separately

  the duration of the different sections of the respi-

  ration, i.e. at the expiration of time t 1 begins time t 2, etc., until the period of

  breathing T ends at the end of time t 4 and the -

  time t 1 starts again Thanks to the presence of the signals and to the preselection of the control variants, it is possible to create multiple and different phase conditions as well as types of respiration by

  pressure or by volume - so as to improve breathing

assisted ration of the patient.

  Various other features of the invention

  moreover emerge from the detailed description which

  follows. An embodiment of the object of the invention is shown, by way of non-limiting example, to

attached drawings.

  Fig 1 shows the front plate of a device

artificial respiration.

  Fig 2 is a graphical representation of the multiple phase conditions for various possibilities

artificial respiration.

  Fig. 3 shows the logical combination of integrated micro-circuits of an electronic control

  constituting the first part of the whole of an ap-

the same with artificial respiration.

  Fig. 4 shows the logical combination of the second part of the electronic control mounted at

  following the first part illustrated in fig 3.

  Fig 5 shows the first part of a digital calculator for the respiratory rate and logically combine the following electronic control

Figs 3 and 4.

  Fig 6 shows the second part of the digital computer for respiratory rate and mounted after the first part of the latter shown

in fig 5.

  The artificial respiration device according to the invention consists of an electronic control

  1 and a digital computer 2 for the res-

  piratory both of which are made from integrated micro-circuits and are logically combined with each other The control 1 and the computer 2

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  form a compact unit which presents S, commutation and adjustment means which can be controlled from the outside in order to allow a selection of different methods of artificial respiration as well as other states. The control elements logically connected to the microcircuits of the compact unit, are arranged on a front plate 3 illustrated by

  fig 1 and which presents more than one display device

  digital plug 4 for the frequency, an indicator device 5 for the visualization of the pressure

  prevailing in the respiratory air circuits.

  Thanks to micro-circuits according to the invention 7

  the compact unit offers several connection possibilities

  intermediate cord within the natural breathing or assisted breathing period These

  intermediate connections or median sockets allow

  attempt to control peripheral construction groups intended to act on the gears of pressure and volume during the artificial respiration process as well as control modules for the formation of limit values in the event of combinations of critical parameters and dangerous for the patient A optical visualization device can also be controlled by the median taps. Therefore, the artificial respiration device allows the implementation of different artificial respiration methods while obtaining an optimal respiratory characteristic and a subdivision of the respiratory period into

  time intervals with varying conditions.

  The signals provided by the circuits make it possible to create, depending on the type of control selected and in combination with single or multi-way valves, multiple and different phase conditions including

  some are shown schematically in fig 2.

  For the practical implementation of this method, the invention provides an electronic control shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and which consists of a sequential control composed of the four-bit shift registers 6, 7, 8 and 9 These four registers with shifts that can be adjusted independently of each other each include a four-bit up-down counter and a binary decoder 1 of 16 logically combined, on the one hand, via two four-pole switches 14, 15 and two identical three-bit shift registers 16, 17, with three flip-flops 18, 19, 20 and with electromagnetic valves 21, 22 , 23 mounted following these, and, on the other hand, with a third shift register identical to three bits 24 The first two shift registers three bit 16, 17 are connected to each other, on the one hand, d directly and on the other hand via an eight-pole switch 25 and the four-bit shift registers

  6 to 9 are connected to a rectan pulse generator

  gular 27 via a bipo- switch

  laire 26 The shift registers 8, 9 are also connected to a frequency divider 28 with a ratio of 1: 8 either directly or via a switch

three-pole 29.

  The rectangular pulse generator 27 is connected to the clock inputs C of the four-bit shift registers 6 to 9 which, via the outputs of the sixteen pole switches 10 to 13, are logically combined with the register three-bit shift 24 whose outputs 1, 2, 3, 4 have

  for issuing the hourly time signal

  racks t 1 to t 4, a link with the activity inputs

  vation 1 of the four-bit shift registers 6 to 9 which, at the rate of the signaled clock frequency f T, control the electromagnetic valves 21 to 23 by means of switches 14, 15 and flip-flops

bistable 18 to 20.

  The output of the sixteen blade switch 13, acting

  over time t 4 of the respiratory phase, is connected to an assistance element 30 which can be connected directly by means of an OR circuit 31 The electromagnetic valves 21, 22, connected to the first flip-flop 18 and to the second flip-flop 19, are connected in parallel on the side of the gas

  breathing through foreign valves

  flow regulation 32, 33 which are adjustable.

  The digital computer 2, for the respiratory frequency, represented in FIGS. 5 and 6, is constituted by a computer element 34 with which is associated a display unit 35, a four-bit shift register 36 controlling the chronological sequence of the introduction of calculation data as well as by two other four-bit shift registers 37, 38 intended to determine the duration of the respiratory period, two flip-flops 39, 40 for the triggering of the control and counting processes and by ten AND circuits 41 to 50 intended for the logical introduction of figures

  and signs in the calculator element 34.

  As shown in the figures representing the respiratory rate calculator, the rocker

  bistable 39 logically combined with the electric control

  tronic is connected with the clock input, receiving the calculation frequency f R 'of the four-bit shift register 36 The outputs of this four-bit shift register 36 have, with the exception of one output connected to the input R of the flip-flop 39 and at the input of activation of the four-bit shift register 36, a connection with the AND circuits 41 to 50, and through the latter with the computer element 34 , one of the outputs of the shift register 36 being connected, in addition, to the input S of the second flip-flop 40 and another output to the input R of the latter and to the activation inputs of the two registers at four-bit offset 37, 38 determining the duration of the respiratory period The four-bit shift register 3 & whose clock input receives the pulses f, has an output which is connected, on the one hand, to its own activation input and, on the other hand, to the activation input of the other four-bit shift register 37 tandi s that the other outputs of these two four-bit shift registers 37, 38 are combined logically and via AND circuits 44 to 49, with the calculating element 34 which is also connected to a signal generator and

to the display unit 35.

  Thanks to the logical combination of the different circuits making up the compact unit just described, the times t 1, t 2, t 3, t 4 of a breathing period T can be adjusted, according to fig 2, by means of the switches. to sixteen poles 10 to 13 and carry out the different methods of artificial respiration using switches 14, 15, 25, 26, 29 and the divider of

  frequency 25 as well as the rectan pulse generator

  gular 27 When the artificial respiration device is switched on, the clock pulses f T are present at the clock inputs of the four-bit shift register, the output 1 of which at the same time automatically has a level H which provokes

  activation of the four-bit shift register 6.

  The first following cadence creates at level Ai of register 6 a level H and controls the positioning

  of the flip-flop 18 via the

  mutator 14 Therefore the solenoid valve 21

  is activated and the inspiration time t 1 begins.

  Switching to the next output takes place at the rate of the clock frequency f- When the signal T

  output arrives at the output selected by the

  mutator 10, the flip-flop 18 is returned to its initial position and the four-bit shift register 7 is activated by means of the three-bit shift register 24 This causes the electromagnetic valve 21 to be switched off and the

  under voltage of the electromagnetic valve 22 via the

  median of the flip-flop 19 and therefore the

  inspiration time t is over and the initiation time

  piration t 2 begins The subsequent operation of the four-bit shift registers 7 to 9 is analogous to that of the four-bit shift register 6 By activating the four-bit shift register 8,

  the quadrupole switch 15 controls the position-

  ning of the flip-flop 20 and energizing the solenoid valve 23 From this moment begins the expiration time t 3 which ends

  by closing the electromagnetic valve 23.

  The expiration time t 3 is followed by the time

  expiration t 4 during which the electromagnetic valves

  ticks 21 to 23 are closed At the end of the expiry time

  ration t 4, the four-bit shift register 6 is restarted via the shift register

three-bit 24.

  As already explained, the electro-

  magnetic 21 and 22 are connected in parallel on

  the breathing gas side by means of check valves

  adjustable flow regulation 32, 33 which, depending on the position of the valves, makes it possible to choose between an increasing flow and a decreasing flow during inspiration When the throttle valve 33 is completely closed, one obtains during the time

  of inspiration a constant level at the end of the inspiration

ration (PEIP).

  When the fourth switch is actuated

  polar 1 4, the 4-bit shift register 6 position-

  does the flip-flop 18 which is returned to its initial position only at the end of the inspiration time t 2 by the four-bit shift register7 Therefore the flip-flop 19 is not used and only the valve electromagnetic 21 is open during all the inspiration time t 1 and t 2 Consequently we obtain

  a constant stream of breathing gas.

  In another position of the fourth switch

  polar 14, the flip-flops 18, 19 are position-

  born simultaneously at the start of the inspiration time t 1 by the four-bit shift register 6 and they are not brought back to their initial position until the end of the inspiration time t 2 by the shift register at

  four bits 7 As a result, the two solenoid valves

  ticks 21, 22 are open all the time of ins-

  piration t 1 and t 2 Thanks to the parallel connection on the side of the respiratory gas, deep breaths are obtained, the ratio of which to normal breaths can be adjusted using the eight-pole switch 25 which acts in combination with the registers at

three bit offset 16, 17.

  It is also possible to act on the appearance of the respiratory gas during the expiration times t 3 and t 4 When, for example, the expiration time t 3 is reduced compared to the expiration time t 4, a level

  constant at the end of expiration (PEEP).

  To perform forced and inter-

  mittent (IMV), switches 15 and 29 are set to

  so that the flip-flops 18 and 19 are posi-

  simultaneously operated via their static inputs S and the four-bit shift register 8 at the start of the expiration time t 3 The four-bit shift register 9 does not command the return of the three flip-flops 18 to 20 to their initial position

  that at the end of the expiration time t 4, i.e. only

  When the position adjusted with the switch 13 is reached, during the entire expiration time t 3 and t 4, the 6-way electromagnetic valves 21 to 23 are in their open position, which allows a spontaneous breathing thanks to the large quantity of gas available In order to extend the expiration times t 3 and t 4 ', the frequency divider which reduces the clock frequency is also connected by means of switch 29

  f, applied to the four-bit shift registers 8, 9.

  It is thus possible to multiply by eight the duration

  of all expiration times-t 3 and t 4 Another posi-

  tion of the switch 15 makes it possible to create an operating condition which, during an attempt at resuscitation, authorizes instantaneous obtaining of the inspiration time and the implementation of an assisted respiration The operating conditions of the electronic control 1 are obtained the fact that the switch 15 controls the switching on of the assistance element 30 which starts the four-bit shift register 6

  via the OR circuit 31 at any time

  conch during all the expiration time t 3 or t 4.

  This electronic control 1 produced as

  that sequential control is, as already indicated, com-

  pact and it is linked with the computer 2 for the respiratory rate which essentially comprises the computer element 34 with the display unit, the four-bit shift register 36 controlling the chronological order of the introduction of the calculation data, the two four-bit shift registers 37, 38 intended to determine the duration of the breathing period, the two flip-flops 39, 40 for the triggering of the control and counting processes, and the AND circuits 41 to 50 for the logical introduction of numbers and signs When logically combining these components, provision is also made for connection via the AND circuits 41 to 50 between the digital outputs ED 1 to D 10 and the inputs of numbers and operational signs of the calculating element 34 which determines the respiratory frequency f A by dividing 60 seconds by

  the sum of the respiratory phase times t 1 to t 4.

  From the start of inspiration time t 1, the rocker

  bistable 39 is positioned by a start impulse

  rage of the electronic control I which also controls the switching on of the four-bit shift register The outputs A O to A 15 are then brought to a level H at the rate of the calculation frequency f R En

  consequently a "six" is introduced in the element calcula-

  tor 34 via the AND circuit 41, the second input of which is connected to the output D 6 of the calculating element 34 when a level H is present at the output Ai When the level H is present at the output A 3 of the four-bit shift register 36, the first "zero" is introduced via the AND circuit 42 and a second "zero" is introduced in the same way when the H level is present at output A 5 While the frequency of calaul f R continues to supply the pulses the operational sign "divide" is introduced at the same time as the signal A 7, the sign "divide" - being followed by the signals A 9 and Ail representing the two-digit measurement value of the times of breathing phase t 1 to t 4 This measurement value is determined by the four-bit shift registers 37, 38 operating as counters, by counting the number of pulses f Z applied to the clock input C of the four-bit shift register 38 until it is stopped é by a signal Q of the flip-flop 40 The flip-flop 40 is positioned when a level H is present at the output A 9 of the four-bit shift register 36 because the four-bit shift register 38 (tens) begins to record the measured value at this time The Ail output of the shift register 36 triggers the entry of the values from the register to

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  four-bit offset 37 of the units).

  After the end of the iritroduictlo of the values and when the level I is present at the exit A 13 of the shift register with four bits 36, the two registers with four bits 37 k 38 and the flip-flop are brought back to their state initial and a new counting cycle begins The sign "equality" is introduced simultaneously with the resetting to zero of these components, in the calculation element 34, via the circuit AND 50 After the introduction of this signal the respiratory rate f A calculated is displayed by

unit 35.

  When there is finally a level H at the output A 14 of the four-bit shift register 36, the latter and the flip-flop 39 are returned to their initial state via the input 1 and the input R of their circuits As a result, the respiratory frequency computer 2 is again ready to receive the next starting pulse delivered

by electronic control 1.

Claims (7)

  1 Artificial respiration apparatus which includes control devices for the implementation of numerous respiratory methods and which is produced from integrated building elements   and elements derived therefrom, which include   provide a timed control system for the phase   inspiration and the expiration phase as well as an   Optical visualization of the parameters in particular   a device for displaying the frequency respi-   rake, characterized in that it comprises an electronic control (1) and a digital computer (2) for the respiratory rate which are produced by integrated circuits and connected to each other, in that   the electronic control (1) is a sequential control-   composed of shift registers which are equipped with peripheral construction groups for control   the pace of the volume and the pace of the pressure   during the process of artificial respiration and control modules for the formation of limit values of combinations of parameters dangerous for the patient,   and which are connected to a digital display device   frequency and in that to control the different respiratory methods, while allowing to obtain an optimal characteristic of artificial respiration, the shift registers are arranged so that it is possible to create any conditions for the different respiratory periods and for the artificial respiration processes thanks to a logical combination with one or more valves several ways.   2 Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the sequential control comprises four four-bit shift registers (6 to 9) which are   mounted in series and each includes a counter-   four-bit decoder and a binary decoder 1 of 16, 2517-962   in that the four-bit shift registers (6 to 9) are each connected to a sixteen-pole switch (10 to 13) which are logically combined, on the one hand, with three   flip-flops (18 to 20) and three electro-   magnetic (21 to 23) mounted following these, by means of two quadrupole switches (14,15)   and two identical shift registers (16, 17).   with three bits and, on the other hand, with a third identical shift register (24) with three bits, in that the first two shift registers (16, 17) with three   bits are connected, one with the other, on the one hand direc-   and on the other hand, through a   eight-pole mutator (25), in that the registers   shift to four bits (6 to 9) are connected by the inter-   middle of a bipolar switch (26) with a general   rectangular pulse generator (27) and in that two (8, 9) of the four-bit shift registers are further connected to a three-pole switch (29) via a frequency divider (28) d 'a 1: 8 ratio.   3 Apparatus according to one of claims 1 and   2, characterized in that the rectangular pulse generator (27) is connected to the clock inputs of the four-bit shift registers (6 to 9) which are logically combined by the outputs of their sixteen-pole switches (10 to 13) with the third three-bit shift register (24) -delivering the starting pulse for the digital calculation of the respiratory rate and which has on its output side a connection for transmitting the time signal of the times of the breathing phases t 1 to t 4 at the activation inputs of the four-bit shift registers (6 to 9) which, at the rate of the clock frequencies indicated, switch the electromagnetic valves (21 to 23) via the quadrupole switches' ( 14, 15) and flip-flops bistable (18 to 20). ? 517962   4 Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to   3, characterized in that the switch with sixteen batteries (13) controlling the time of the breathing phase t 4 is connected by its output to the signaling conductor of an assistance device (30) which can be connected   directly by means of an OR circuit (31).   Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to   4, characterized in that the electromagnetic valves (21, 22), connected to the first flip-flop (18) and to the second flip-flop (19), are connected in parallel on their side of the respiratory gas via the valves flow throttling adjustable (32, 33).   6 Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5,   characterized in that the digital computer (2) for the respiratory rate consists of a computer element (34) with a display unit (35), a four-bit shift register (36) controlling the chronological succession of the input of data into the computer as well as by two other four-bit shift registers (37, 38) intended to determine the duration of the respiratory period, by two rockers   bistables (39, 40) used to trigger the processes   control and counting and by two AND circuits (41 to 50) intended for the logical introduction of figures   and signs in the calculator.   7 Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the flip-flop (39) logically combined with the electronic control (1) is connected to the clock input receiving the frequency of the computer f R, from the first shift register to four bits (36) whose outputs have a connection with the AND circuits (41 to 50) and through the latter with the computer element (34) with the exception of an output connected to the input R of the rocker bistable (39) and at the activation input of the shift register (36>, one of the outputs of this shift register has four bits (36)   being further connected to input S of the second bas-   bistable cule (40) and another output being additionally connected to input R of the same bistable flip-flop (40) as well as to the activation inputs of the two four-bit shift registers (37, 38 ) determining the duration of the respiratory period, in that one of the outputs of the four-bit shift register (38) /, whose clock input receives the   pulses fz, is connected, on the one hand, to the input of acti-   of the same register and, on the other hand, to the clock input of the other four-bit shift register   (37) and in that the other outputs from these two regis-   very four-bit shift (37, 38) are logically and directly combined with the calculating element (34) which is connected via the AND stations (44 to 49) to a signal generator (51) and to a unit display (35).   8 Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7,   characterized in that the electronic control (1) and   the computer (2) for the respiratory rate   logically combined with the control form a compact unit which has several adjustment means and   switch that can be operated from the outside.