Abstract: A chemical absorbent comprising a hydrated mixture of a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable hydroxide of a Group II metal and a minor proportion of a Group I metal-containing zeolite. The chemical absorbent is substantially free of hydroxides of Group I metals.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for controlling fluid flow, comprising a first component for holding or conveying fluid, the first component having a port for the passage of fluid, a fluid passageway (18) from the interior of the first component to the exterior of the first component through the port, a contact valve (1) located in the fluid passageway (18), a second component having an abutment means, and connecting means for connecting the second component to the first component, the contact valve (1) comprising a first valve arm (8) extending into the fluid passageway (18), the first valve arm (8) being movable between an open position in which fluid flow through the fluid passageway (18) is substantially permitted, and a closed position in which fluid flow through the fluid passageway (18) is substantially prevented, wherein, when the second component is connected to the first component, the abutment means moves the first valve arm (8) into the open position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a respiratory mask for delivering an inhalation fluid to the airways of a wearer. The respiratory mask includes a body of generally concave shape and having a peripheral edge, the body being adapted to provide a cavity in use about the mouth and nose of a wearer such that the inhalation fluid can be inhaled by the wearer from the cavity. The respiratory mask includes a resilient seal formation depending from at least a portion of the peripheral edge. The resilient seal formation includes both an inwardly and outwardly depending lip portion relative to the peripheral edge of the body. The mask may accommodate a range of facial dimensions whilst still retaining an effective seal.

Abstract: A component (10) of a respiratory apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a gas passageway defined by an enclosing wall (20,30), and a port (40) in the enclosing wall (20,30) adapted to receive an ancillary device (60). The component (10) also includes a retaining arm (50) that is movable between an open configuration in which an ancillary device (60) may be engaged with the port (40), and a retention configuration in which the retaining arm (50) acts, in use, to resist removal of the ancillary device (60) from the port (40).

Abstract: A respiratory mask (10) for delivering inspiratory gas to a wearer, the mask comprising a mask body (12) shaped to define a cavity adapted to fit about the mouth and nose of the patient, wherein the mask body comprises a nose cavity portion (18) and a mouth cavity portion (16), the nose cavity portion comprising an inspiratory gas inlet port (26) and wherein the mouth portion comprises an expiratory gas monitoring port (34) at a location spaced from the inlet port. The gas monitoring port and may comprise an integral connector for a monitoring line and may be used to monitor carbon dioxide levels.

Abstract: The invention concerns a connector for connecting respiratory ducts together such that they are placed in fluid communication. The connector comprises a first conduit having a female connector end and a second conduit having a male connector end adapted to be received within the female connector end of the first conduit such that the male and female connector ends form a common conduit having an inner surface formed at least in part by the male connector end. The male connector has a retaining formation which is adapted to abut a corresponding formation of the female connector so as to resist separation of the first and second conduits while permitting relative rotation there-between when connected. The inner surface of the male connector may comprise a gas washed surface in use. The engagement formation is preferably a recessed area of the female connector, which may be generally annular in shape. In one embodiment, the member(s) may comprise a valve seat.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for condensing water from respiratory gases. The apparatus has a heat exchange component having an inlet, an outlet and a condensation chamber, the inlet and outlet being connectable to a breathing system, such that respiratory gases are conveyed through the condensation chamber, in use, and a base unit adapted to aid removal of heat from the walls of the heat exchange component. The heat exchange component is releasably engageable with the base unit, such that the heat exchange component is replaceable.

Abstract: A laryngoscope (10) is disclosed, the laryngoscope (10) comprising a unitary body (11) formed of a first material and having portions shaped to define a handle (18) and a blade (28) of the laryngoscope (10), the body (11) having a recess (44) therein shaped to receive one or more electrical components (12,13,14,15) for operation of a light mounted in the blade portion (28), wherein blade (28) comprises a first surface (32) which faces away from the handle portion (18); and a cover material (17) molded over a portion of the first surface (32), said cover material (17) being softer than the first material so as to provide a resilient portion (17) which can be pressed against a patient's teeth during use of the laryngoscope (10).

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus (26) for condensing water from a flow of respiratory gas is disclosed. The apparatus (26) comprises a first portion having an inlet (28) and a second portion having an outlet (30), the inlet (28) and outlet (30) being connectable to a breathing system (10) and the first and second portions being arranged in flow series, wherein the first portion comprises a condenser (64) and the second portion comprises a heater (64) downstream of the condenser for increasing the temperature of the respiratory gas flow prior to the outlet (30).

Abstract: A respiratory interface device (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80) comprising a main body (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82) that includes a fluid conduit adapted to be connected to a breathing circuit, and a sealing member (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85) adapted to engage a surface of a patient, such that the fluid conduit is in fluid communication, in use, with an airway of the patient, wherein the sealing member (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85) includes a plasticizing agent, and a barrier member (18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78, 88) is provided between the sealing member (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85) and the main body (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82) of the device (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80), the barrier member (18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78, 88) at least impeding the migration of plasticizing agent from the sealing member (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85) to the main body (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82) of the device (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80).