Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for directing air flow and for removing internal secretions within an intubated patient is disclosed. In one respect, the invention contemplates an air flow assembly including a conduit coupling assembly coupled to an expansible conduit. The conduit coupling assembly includes a housing with an upper flow connector and a lower flow connector; a recess at its lower end; and an annular, valved partition defining an annular chamber within the housing below the partition. The lower flow connector is configured to be connected to the upper or proximal end of an endotracheal tube so as to form an annular passageway between the endotracheal tube and the expansible conduit. The upper flow connector is adapted to receive air or other desired gas from a suitable source. The partition includes a one-way flow valve or other device for enabling flow of gas selectively through the housing.

Abstract: In various embodiments of a pulse dose and conservation oxygen delivery system, a control circuit, which is typically microprocessor based, monitors a differential pressure sensor coupled to a patient interface such as a cannula or a face mask. When a patient inhales, a negative pressure is detected at the patient interface point. This condition is sensed and an electrical signal corresponding to the condition is sent to the control circuit. The control circuit processes the signal and then energizes a valve, through driver circuitry, that connects the patient to the oxygen supply for a fixed period of time at a preselected amount. The control circuit continually monitors the pressure differentials at the patient interface and only delivers pulses of oxygen upon the inhalation of the patient. Oxygen delivery is based on a fixed volume of oxygen per breath which provides the advantage of a varying net volume being delivered to the patient per period of time depending on their respiratory rate.

Abstract: A sealed ventilation circuit interface system, which enables simultaneous patient ventilation and safe tracheal suctioning, is structured to accommodate any of a wide variety of commercially available suction catheters. The interface system comprises a manifold assembly, and an adaptor. The manifold assembly may be attached to a patient for an extended period, while the adaptor is advantageously constructed as a single procedural use disposable device. The adaptor couples with the manifold assembly, and may be configured to effect the introduction of a catheter through a normally closed valve structure carried by the manifold assembly. The adaptor may alternatively be configured to interface the manifold with a bronchoscope or other appliance. A vacuum valve assembly biased in an open position is selectively actuated between open and closed positions and can be locked in a closed position. The vacuum valve remains at either position without ongoing manual pressure.

Abstract: A passive humidifier for use with positive airway pressure devices including a chamber having an inlet and an outlet for holding a supply of water. Pressurized air is forced over a series of baffles arrayed within parallel channels inside the chamber for creating localized turbulence at the free water surface to maximize humidification efficiency. An accumulation chamber in communication with the outlet reduces the likelihood of water droplets escaping from the outlet.

Abstract: The hygroscopic cartridge (1) particularly for filters for medical use, has a band-like element (2) which is wound to form a flat bobbin (7). The band-like element (2) has a first band (3), formed with corrugations (4) which extend in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal extension of the band-like element (2) and made of a heat-conducting plastically deformable material, and a second layer (5) impregnated with hygroscopic salts. The corrugations (4) define small channels (8) for allowing the passage of an aeriform flow in a transverse direction with respect to the plane of lay of the flat bobbin (7).

Abstract: A positive/negative air pressure adaptor for a respirator system. The positive/negative air pressure adaptor has a port region for fluidically coupling a filter cartridge to a respirator. The adaptor has an inlet port for connecting to a positive pressure air source and a first check valve to restrict the flow of air from the port region to the filter cartridge. A second check valve may be provided to restrict the flow of air from the respirator to the port region. When the positive pressure air source is disconnected, the respirator system operates as a negative pressure respirator.

Abstract: A humdification chamber for the humidification of respiratory gases has particular application for use over extended time periods with infrequent refills.The humidification chamber has a heated reservoir and a supply reservoir, the heated reservoir adapted to be in thermal contact with a heater base to which the humidification chamber is attached. A partition separates the heated reservoir from the supply reservoir, the partition having a gas flow path and a liquid flow path, the flow paths allowing gas and liquid communication respectively between the supply and heated reservoirs. The partition substantially thermally insulates the supply reservoir from the heater base. A gas inlet port and a gas outlet port are provided in the top surface of the humidification chamber to allow gases to be humidified to circulate through the chamber above the heated reservoir.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for the delivery of therapeutic liquids to the respiratory system of a patient. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a vibratable non-planar member having tapered apertures which produce droplets wherein about 70% of more of the droplets by weight have a size in the range from about 1 .mu.m to 6 .mu.m. The apparatus may further optionally include a breath sensor which detects the inspiratory flow rate and transmits a signal to vibrate the non-planar member at a frequency corresponding to the inspiratory flow rate. Optionally, the non-planar member may be included in a disposable mouthpiece assembly that is separate from the oscillator assembly. In this manner, the mouthpiece assembly may be discarded after use, while the oscillator assembly may be reused.

Abstract: An airway device in the form of a modified laryngeal mask is fitted with single, multiple or paired electrodes (herein termed "internal electrodes") so placed as to enable stimulation of or to record a spontaneous degree of activity of selected excitable tissues (a) lying in direct contact with or in close proximity with the mask, or (b) in conjunction with suitably placed body-surface electrodes (herein termed "external electrodes") at one or more body-surface regions known to have muscular, neuro-muscular or other conductive relationship with organs more remoted situated from the mask, such internal electrodes being adapted for flexible connection to external monitoring or stimulating apparatus for diagnostic, therapeutic, palliative or sedative purposes.

Abstract: A scuba diver's toxic gas detector, in particular carbon monoxide detector, for use with conventional diving equipment and/or dive equipment filling systems, having a body portion (34) and a detector portion (32). The body portion (34) includes a first opening (42) therethrough communication at opposite ends thereof with connections for a first hose (14) from an air tank and a second hose(16) from a buoyancy vest (12). The body portion (34) includes another opening (50) in fluid communication with the first opening in which is positioned a guide element (68). A movable stem element (75) is positioned within said guide element (68). A bore (64) extends between the second opening (50) and the detector portion (32). A button (80) is connected to the stem element (75) and is biased in one position by a spring (82).

Abstract: A breathing circuit apparatus used with a nebulizer device that generates an aerosol is adapted for use by a user for inhaling the aerosol through the user's nose and/or mouth and thereafter exhaling exhalation gas through the breathing circuit apparatus. The breathing circuit apparatus includes a container, an inlet valve, an outlet valve and a user connection port. The container defines an interior chamber therein and is coupled to the nebulizer device. The inlet valve is connected to the container and includes an air inlet port for one-way air flow of ambient air into the interior chamber. The inlet valve moves between a closed condition to prevent the ambient air from entering into the interior chamber and an opened condition to permit the ambient air to enter into the interior chamber. The outlet valve is connected to the container and includes a gas exhalation port for one-way gas flow of the exhalation gas.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for ascertaining whether or not the contents of an aerosol medication inhaler canister are near depletion. The apparatus is comprised of a tank having transparent walls and a reference indicia on the tank visible through a transparent front wall panel. The reference indicia depicts the orientation of the longitudinal axis of an empty aerosol medication inhaler canister floating in water relative to horizontal. Preferably, the reference indicia is mounted on a dial attached to the rear wall of the tank. The dial includes a pointer. Canister model code marks are printed on the rear wall of the tank immediately beneath the dial. The user rotates the dial to align the pointer with the particular model code mark corresponding to the canister model the user wishes to measure. This brings the reference indicia on the dial into the fully discharged orientation which an empty canister of that model will assume when placed in water.

Abstract: A respirator (10) that includes a face piece (14) and a cartridge receiving structure (22) located on the face piece (14). The face piece (14) is sized to fit snugly over the nose and mouth of a person, and the filter cartridge (12) is capable of being manually snapped into engagement with the cartridge receiving structure (22). The snap-fit can be instantaneously obtained without rotational movement of the filter cartridge (12), simply by pressing the filter cartridge (12) against the receiving structure (22).

Abstract: An endotracheal device to facilitate joining an endotracheal tube to an adaptor connected to a suction or gas source is disclosed. The device is a tubular connector having opposed ends, one end of which has a locking means for temporarily locking the connector to the adaptor and another end for receiving and securing the tube to the connector.

Abstract: The equipment is usable by a person exposed to NBC threats. It has a helmet, a face-cover provided with fastenings for connection to the helmet and with a coupling for a breathing gas feed or ventilation hose. A flexible envelope extends the helmet and the face-cover downwards. For providing sealed connection between the helmet, the face-cover, and the envelope, a hoop is fixed to the helmet in permanent or removable manner. It projects from the base of the helmet forwards. The top edge of the hoop receives the face-cover and the lower edge hoop receives the envelope in sealed manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying containers (1) containing different anesthetic fluids. A connecting element (8) is used for coupling the container with a conduit (6) extending to a patient for supplying an anesthetic to a patient. The containers containing anesthetic fluids are designated or labeled distinctly from each other by means of at least one magnetic-field producing element (12). The presence of this element is in turn detected by means of a magnetic-field detecting element (13). The identification of a container containing an anesthetic fluid and, thus, an anesthetic fluid contained therein is effected by means of an identification element (15), which receives a signal from one or more magnetic-field detecting elements. The detection can also be used as a basis for establishing whether the container is coupled in its position.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in ventilating the lungs of a patient comprises a respiratory gas source means; a breathing mask means; a conduit means for fluidly connecting the respiratory gas source means to the mask; a means fop regulating the pressure within the conduit means; a flow meter means for detecting the flow rate of the respiratory gas; and a pressure sensor means for detecting the pressure within the conduit adjacent to the breathing mask. The apparatus further comprises a means for calculating the flow impedance parameter of the flow system downstream the pressure sensing means; a means for storing the relationship between the operation of the pressure regulating means, the flow impedance parameter, and the pressure within the conduit means; a means for predicting the flow impedance parameter after a predetermined time interval; and a means for generating a target pressure to which the pressure regulating means regulates the pressure within the conduit.

Abstract: A dispenser provides pulmonary delivery of a powder dose to a subject. The dispenser is adapted to be brought into connection with an actuator which introduces an amount of a gas for dispensing the powder dose. The dispenser includes a chamber for receiving the powder dose and a valve for permitting passage of the powder dose only when the actuator introduces the gas into the dispenser. The powder dose is passed from the dispenser for pulmonary delivery to the subject.

Abstract: A device, particularly a contoured pillow, is disclosed for supporting the torso of a person. The pillow includes a top and a bottom separated by a side panel. The side panel is appropriately curved to provide a pair of shoulder support regions, a pair of scapula support regions and a sternum support region to permit a woman to rest or sleep with her chest facing downwardly without placing undue pressure on her breasts. The pillow is particularly designed as a therapeutic pillow for use after surgical procedures, such as breast enlargements or breast reductions. The various regions of the pillow are designed to support the person without placing undue stress on the areas which have undergone surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ribbon cartridge comprising a housing with an upper and a lower half, a ribbon received in said housing, a driving means comprising two driving gears for driving said ribbon, said driving gears rotatably supported in the housing and in engagement with each other for transporting the ribbon inbetween the driving gears. Specifically, the housing is provided with a bearing means for supporting a first one of said driving gears at a circumferential surface thereof in the middle of the height of said driving gear, so as to allow self-alignment of the driving gears with each other by adjustment movements other than a rotation around the axis of rotation.