Modern intensive care units' (ICU) ventilators regulate gas flow to the patient by using which of the following?
a. Rotary drive pistons
b. Linear drive pistons
c. Proportional solenoids
d. Spring-loaded bellows
ANS: C
Proportional solenoid valves control flow by opening and closing either completely or in small increments. These valves, which are driven by various motor-based mechanisms, have a rapid re-sponse time and great flexibility in flow control. The other answers are all volume-displacement devices.
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