Abstract: Particular aspects provide a novel integrated nebulizer and particle dispersion chamber (12), and novel methods of using same. Preferably, the particle dispersion chamber (12) provides for delivery of a vortical flow of nebulized particles to the nostrils. The inventive integrated nebulizer, delivery methods and breathing techniques allow for delivering medicament into the deep nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses of a user. Significantly, the inventive devices and methods allow for systemic and topical delivery of medicaments via the membranes of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Additional preferred embodiments provide complementary cartridge docking system that allows for user-specific nebulized drug delivery.

Abstract: A device for maintaining an airway in a patient. This device includes a mask having a resilient conformable peripheral portion that is shaped such that the mask forms a seal with the larynx when the mask is positioned in the laryngo pharynx to thereby prevent ingress of extraneous fluids into the larynx. The peripheral portion of the mask define at least one cavity for providing fluid communication to the esophagus when the mask is inserted into the laryngo pharynx. An airway tube is connected to or formed with the mask for passing gas to the larynx when the mask is properly inserted into the laryngo pharynx. The airway tube preferably is curved as it leaves the mask.

Abstract: A method of detecting disconnect of a patient circuit of a ventilation system, wherein a circuit disconnect is detected with a first sensitivity and a second sensitivity. The circuit disconnect detected with the first sensitivity is performed by detecting a volume loss for a minimum period of time, detecting a peak pressure loss for at least two consecutive breathing cycles or a minimum period of time, and detecting a pressure loss continuing for a predetermined period of time. The circuit disconnect detected with the second sensitivity is performed by detecting a volume loss for a single breathing cycle, detecting a pressure loss for a single breathing cycle, and detecting an increase of compliance. The first sensitivity is lower than the second sensitivity. Preferably, an alarm is activated when the circuit disconnect is detected with the first sensitivity, and subsystems of the ventilation system is informed of the circuit disconnect that has been detected with the second sensitivity.

Abstract: Transducers and resonators are embedded in body support structures in contact with a user to for the purpose of conveying musical sound energy to a user's body at selected frequencies and in selected patterns. Body support structures comprise beds, pillows, chairs, and other structures typically used to support people. The sound may be audio tones and/or music. The transducers and resonators may be incorporated into a foam component or in a coil spring component of the body support structure. Latex-type foams and beds made with springs are candidate body support structures for receiving transducer's and resonators. Electro-active polymers are also used as transducers.

Abstract: A device for artificial respiration, including a front support (3) which is connected to a respiratory mask (1) that includes a connection for the respiratory tube (4), a front support is coupled to the respiratory mask by a distancing element (2) and at least one cavity (11) is arranged in the region of the distancing element, the cavity leading into an inner chamber (12).

Abstract: A medical apparatus that holds open a mouth of a patient. The apparatus contains a passage through which the patient can breathe by mouth. The apparatus contains a port to which an oxygen line is connected and which delivers oxygen to the passage for inhalation by the patient. The apparatus contains a sampling port which samples air in the passage and delivers sampled air to a monitoring device. The latter measures, for example, carbon dioxide content in the sampled gas, and issues a warning if carbon dioxide concentration is out-of-bounds. Phosphor material can be added to the apparatus, to make the apparatus glow in a darkened operating room, to allow technicians to easily find the patient's mouth and to insert tools, tubing, instruments and the like in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vent assembly suitable for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment. In one embodiment the vent is made of a thin air permeable membrane. Generally, the membrane is thinner than 0.5 mm. The membrane can be made of a hydrophobic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The membrane can also be fabricated from expanded PTFE. The expanded PTFE membrane is mounted on a polypropylene scrim. The pores of the membrane have a reference pore size of 10 to 15 microns. In an alternative embodiment, the vent assembly includes a vent constructed from stainless steel. In another embodiment the membrane has a superficial cross-sectional area of approximately 500 mm2. In another embodiment the vent assembly comprises a membrane attached to a vent frame, the vent assembly forming an insert which can be removably attached to a mask frame.

Abstract: A multi-chamber mask includes a shell and a partition. The shell is adapted to cover portions of a user's face including the mouth and at least portions of the nose including the nostrils, the shell adapted to contact the face surrounding the covered portions of the face to substantially prevent gas from escaping between the shell and the contacted portions of the user's face, and the shell is adapted to couple to a gas supply source. The partition is coupled to the shell and cooperates with the shell to define a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber adapted to be positioned proximate the user's nose to direct inflow of gas from the gas supply source to the user's nasal passages, the second chamber adapted to be positioned proximate the user's mouth, the partition adapted to restrict flow of gas between the first and the second chamber.

Abstract: A medicine discharge device configured to discharge medicine to be administered to a user, includes a mount portion configured to mount a medicine discharge cartridge, the medicine discharge cartridge having at least a medicine reservoir and a medicine discharge portion and being removable from the device; and a receiving circuit configured to receive an output signal sent from a sensor, the sensor being provided at the cartridge mounted at the mount portion and detecting an inhalation state.

Abstract: A method, system and device are provided for the determination of leaks in a respirator. An inspiraton pressure pinsp is recorded during an inspiration time Tinsp with a measuring device. The inspiration pressure pinsp is varied during consecutive breaths I. Leaks are determined as to leak volumes VLi from the product of pinspi and Tinspi in accordance with the equation VLi=A×pinspiB×Tinspi while the parameters A and B are determined in an analyzing unit by a regression model with pinsp as the regressor.

Abstract: A headgear for securing a patient airway interface device to a patient's head, and in particular an infant patient. The headgear includes a central body, first and second forehead straps, and first and second lower straps. The forehead straps extend from opposite side of the central body. The lower straps also extend from opposite sides of the central body, and are inferiorly spaced from a corresponding forehead strap. Upon application to a patient's head, the central body and the forehead straps establish a line of attachment extending from the patient's forehead to a nape of the patient's neck (i.e., adjacent the occipital bone). The lower straps are then available for connecting an airway interface piece to the headgear.

Abstract: A powder inhaler includes a container for storing powdered medicament. A metering member has a dosing recess and is moveable between a filling position in which the dosing recess is in alignment with an opening of the container, and an inhalation position in which it is in alignment with an inhalation channel. A mouthpiece is in communication with the inhalation channel for enabling inhalation of the dose of powdered medicament when in the inhalation position. A protective member provided between the metering member and the inhalation channel is moveable between a closed position in which the protective member covers the dosing recess, thereby preventing powdered medicament contained in the dosing recess from entering the inhalation channel, and an open position in which the protective member does not cover the dosing recess, thereby exposing the dosing recess to the inhalation channel for enabling inhalation of the dose of the powdered medicament.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for recovering anaesthetics in anaesthetic treatment of a patient. The device comprises a housing having a first opening and a second opening for the formation of a flow path in the housing for a breathing medium. In the housing, an absorption body having the capacity of absorbing and desorbing anaesthetics is arranged. According to the invention, there is valve means for the switch-over between an active position, in which the flow path passes through the absorption body, and a passive position, in which the flow path does not pass through the absorption body. The absorption body retains unchanged location in the housing in both valve positions. The invention also relates to a method for, in a corresponding way, controlling a device for recovering anaesthetics.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and at least one locking clip. The frame has a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body, at least one of the side frame members including a locking clip receiver assembly. The at least one locking clip has a main body providing a front portion adapted to be removably coupled with the at least one locking clip receiver assembly and a rear portion adapted to be removably coupled to a headgear assembly. The rear portion includes a cross bar that forms an opening through which a strap of the headgear assembly can pass and be removably coupled with the cross bar, and the front portion includes at least one resiliently flexible spring arm that is flexible within the plane of the main body.

Abstract: The auxiliary breathing flow channel apparatus for an oxygen mask for pilots and crew of an airplane includes a flow control device with closed and open positions to regulate flow through an auxiliary channel. A pressure sensor such as an aneroid capsule automatically closes the auxiliary channel upon a decrease in cabin pressure. A handle also allows a user to manually move the flow regulating means to a closed position.

Abstract: A full breathing mask including an inner face mask and an outer face mask. The outer face mask includes a basin-shaped intermediate wall which extends from the inside of the outer face mask and which has a free end, a con-cave side, which is intended to embrace and lie in abutment with the wearer's chin part, and a convex side. At least substantially the entire perimeter of the inner face mask is adapted to lie against the wearer's face.

Abstract: A retractable drink system for providing fluid delivery to a wearer with a donned protective mask covering the mouth, the drink system including a drink tube mounted within the interior of the mask, the drink tube having a retracted position and a deployed position; and an actuation coupling externally accessible with respect to the mask, the actuation coupling moving the drink tube between the retracted and deployed positions.

Abstract: A presentation arrangement for presenting an oxygen mask or pull flag including an inflatable lever wherein for presenting the oxygen mask or pull flag at a preset first location, the inflatable lever is inflated such that the oxygen mask or pull flag is located at the first location.

Abstract: A delivery device, in particular a breath-actuated nasal delivery device, for delivering substance, in particular one of a liquid, as a suspension or solution, or a powder containing a medicament, especially systemic or topical pharmaceuticals, or a vaccine to the nasal airway of a subject.

Abstract: A supraglottic airway of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening where the shield is constructed of a generally single-use blow-molded structure.