Abstract: The invention concerns a nasal cannula assembly (10) adapted to deliver gases to a patient comprising a first compartment (1) and a second compartment (2) separated by a separation wall (6); a pair of nasal prongs (5) in fluid communication with the first compartment (1); the first compartment (1) comprising a first inlet (11) for introducing a first gas into said first compartment (1); the second compartment (2) comprising a second inlet (2) for introducing a second gas into said second compartment (2); and the separation wall (6) comprising at least one flow restriction element (35) for controlling the passage of gas from the second compartment (2) to the first compartment (1).

Abstract: A respiratory treatment device comprising at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive air into the at least one chamber, at least one chamber outlet configured to permit air to exit the at least one chamber, and a flow path defined between the chamber inlet and the at least one chamber outlet. A restrictor member positioned in the flow path is moveable between a closed position, where a flow of air along the flow path is restricted, and an open position, where the flow of air along the flow path is less restricted. A vane in fluid communication with the flow path is operatively connected to the restrictor member and is configured to reciprocate between a first position and a second position in response to the flow of air along the flow path.

Abstract: The system and method of the present application predicts if there is sufficient CO2 absorbent capacity for the next anesthesia case. If insufficient, the canister can be preemptively replaced when no patient is connected to the breathing system. Such prediction also allows clinicians to determine if the CO2 canister has to be changed during the present case or to wait until the end of the case. In the latter, the clinician may buy time by increasing the fresh gas flow rate to reduce the amount of patient CO2 gases recirculated. A predictive estimation of CO2 breakthrough allows more time to prepare for an orderly CO2 canister replacement during a quiet period in the anesthesia care.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a patient sealing assembly adapted to communicate a flow of breathing gas within an airway of a patient, a fluid coupling conduit fluidly coupled to the patient sealing assembly, the fluid coupling conduit being structured to receive the flow of breathing gas and communicate the flow of breathing gas to the patient sealing assembly, and a headgear component structured to secure the patient interface device to the patient's head, the headgear component including a strap member having a generally C-shaped connector member. The generally C-shaped connector member is structured to at least partially wrap around and be releasably received and held by or within a receiving feature provided on one of: (i) the fluid coupling conduit, and (ii) an extension member extending outwardly from the patient sealing assembly.

Abstract: A patient interface system for delivering a gas to a patient includes a patient interface device that includes at least one inhalation valve and at least one exhalation valve. The system also includes a venturi device that has at least one port for connection to a gas source. The venturi device has at least one primary air entrainment window and at least one secondary air entrainment window which is downstream of the at least one primary air entrainment window. The inhalation valve is disposed between: (1) the main body and (2) the primary and secondary air entrainment windows of the venturi device. At least one of the primary air entrainment window and secondary air entrainment window includes a means for closing the respective window, thereby changing a degree at which the respective window is open and changing a flow rate of the air flowing through the respective window.

Abstract: The present invention describes a medical, supply or transfer lock (120) for a pressure vessel (100) for human occupancy. The medical lock (120) includes a body tube (122), an outer door flange (124) and an outer door (140) in sealing face relation with an inside face (125) of the outer door flange (124). In an embodiment, the outer door (124) has upper rollers (146a) and lower rollers (146b). The upper rollers run on a horizontal rail (160) while the lower rollers run on a slant rail (170), which is mounted below the horizontal rail (160). The ends of the horizontal and slant rails (160,170) are curved (163, 172) so that weight component of the outer door is generated to assist the outer door to close. When pressure in the medical lock (120) is increased, the outer door (140) of this medical lock (120) becomes self-locking and self-sealing.

Abstract: A portable pen sized electric herb vaporizer with ceramic heating chamber is an elongated and cylindrical device used to vaporize the active ingredient of or burn herbs, having a battery, a heating compartment, a chamber connector, and a mouthpiece. Two threaded screw interfaces attach the battery to the heating compartment and the heating compartment to the chamber connector. The mouthpiece holds a ceramic filter and is inserted into the chamber connector. The heating compartment has a ceramic heating chamber within which herbs are placed, and a heating coil connected to the battery within the ceramic heating chamber heats the herbs. The user presses an activator button and inhales through the mouthpiece, drawing heated air over the herbs, through the chamber connector and into the user's lungs. The chamber connector has a disk filter to catch ash and a spring that presses on the herbs for efficient vaporization.

Abstract: There is provided a method of determining whether a first type of liquid is being used in a nebulizer, the method comprising obtaining a measurement of the time taken by the nebulizer to nebulize a specified volume of liquid that was held therein, comparing the time taken to nebulize the specified volume of liquid to an estimated value for the time required to nebulize the same volume of the first type of liquid, and determining whether the liquid nebulized by the nebulizer was the first type of liquid based on the comparison.

Abstract: The invention concerns a nasal cannula assembly (10) adapted to deliver gases to a patient comprising a first compartment (1) and a second compartment (2) separated by a separation wall (6); a pair of nasal prongs (5) in fluid communication with the first compartment (1); the first compartment (1) comprising a first inlet (11) for introducing a first gas into said first compartment (1); the second compartment (2) comprising a second inlet (2) for introducing a second gas into said second compartment (2); and the separation wall (6) comprising at least one valve element (3) for controlling the passage of gas from the second compartment (2) to the first compartment (1). The invention concerns also a breathing assistance apparatus comprising a source of NO gas, and said nasal cannula assembly (10) in fluid communication with said source of NO gas.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler including a housing defining a chamber for receiving a dose of powdered medicament, an inhalation port in fluid communication with the chamber, at least one airflow inlet providing fluid communication between the chamber and an exterior of the housing, and a flutter element in the chamber and associated with a dose of powdered medicament. The flutter element has a tensioned distal end proximate the at least one airflow inlet and a free proximal end opposite to the distal end and downstream of the inlet. The flutter element is configured to vibrate in response to airflow through the chamber and aerosolize the dose of powdered medicament.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an emergency oxygen supply mask adapted for rescuing a passenger of an aircraft in an emergency situation. In one example, the oxygen mask includes a mask body with a first opening for covering the mouth and/or nose of a passenger and with a second opening connecting the first opening for providing breathable supply air. In some cases, the emergency oxygen supply mask includes a physical reaction component connected to the mask body for receiving air and converting the air into supply air by a physical reaction between the air and a physical reaction material in the physical reaction component to produce oxygen-enriched air. The oxygen-enriched air may be supplied as the supply air to the first opening of the mask body.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a nasal prong assembly including a pair of nasal prongs structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use and headgear to maintain the nasal prong assembly in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear includes side straps and rigidizers provided to respective side straps. Each rigidizer includes a first end portion that provides a connector structured to engage a respective end of the nasal prong assembly and an inwardly curved protrusion in the form of a cheek support that curves inwardly of the connector. The cheek support is adapted to follow the contour of the patient's cheek and guide a respective end portion of the side strap into engagement with the patient's cheek to provide a stable cheek support.

Abstract: A ventilator, or a breathing assistance apparatus, is disclosed to ventilate patients who may have breathing difficulties, said device comprising a inspiratory pressure control duct configured to be immersed in a first body of fluid; a positive end-expiratory pressure control duct configured to be immersed in a second body of fluid; at least one valve connected to the peak inspiratory pressure control duct and to the positive end-expiratory pressure control duct, and at least one controller communicably connected to the valve to control rate of cycling of the valve, thereby controlling number of breaths per minute, and to control the duration of peak inspiratory pressure also known as inspiratory time.

Abstract: A respirator (1) and a mount for a respirator are provided including a mounting device for a cylinder (2), preferably an oxygen cylinder. The mounting device forms an upper housing half (4) and a lower housing half (3) of the respirator (1) and includes at least one grip (6), which makes transportation of the respirator (1) possible. The upper housing half (4) and lower housing half (3) are provided with a connection mechanism (5), which connects the upper housing half (4) and the lower housing half (3).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a plaster for attaching a trachestoma valve or the like in connection with a tracheostoma on a person's neck. The plaster comprises a socket and an annular flange, communicating with a central opening of the flange which is connected with a single-coated adhesive tape which extends radially beyond the edge of the flange. The connection includes a first annular joint at or inwardly of the outer periphery of the flange, and a second annular joint located between the outer periphery of the flange and the inner periphery of the flange spaced radially from the first annular joint. A protecting liner covers the adhesive on the tape.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway device inserted in the pharynx of an unconscious patient to ventilate the lungs includes an airway tube and mask portion with cuff formation shaped to fit the actual and potential space surrounding the circumference of the inlet to the larynx. A piriform-fossa conduit is included in a cuff formation of such mask to facilitate insertion of orogastric tubes. Anatomically the piriform-fossa conduit travels around the laryngeal inlet through the piriform fossa to reach the upper esophagus. Structurally the piriform-fossa conduit travels through the lateral cuff formation with the inflatable cuff element. The distal orifice of the piriform-fossa conduit is on the outer perimeter of the cuff formation near the tip of the mask, does not intersect the medial line at the tip, and does not increase bulk in the distal cuff formation along the medial line.

Abstract: A tracheal tube arrangement includes at least one neck strap including, a deformable material. The tracheal tube arrangement further includes at least one reinforcing member integrated into the neck strap. The reinforcing member includes a first opening for receiving a tie. The reinforcing member further includes at least one reinforcement opening for receiving a portion of the deformable material for bonding the reinforcing member to the neck strap. A method of providing a tracheal tube arrangement that has at least one neck strap is also provided.

Abstract: A nebulizer assembly configured for removable attachment to an ultrasonic actuator includes a base plate portion, a porous mesh member, and a cover member. The base plate portion includes an opening extending therethrough, and is substantially rigid such that ultrasonic vibrations from the ultrasonic actuator may be transmitted through the base plate portion to the porous mesh member to vibrate the porous mesh member. The porous mesh member is configured for passage therethrough of a nebulized fluid, and is disposed in the opening of the base plate portion proximate a fluid emission side of the nebulizer assembly. The cover member is disposed on a second side of the nebulizer assembly opposite the fluid emission side. The cover member covers the opening and defines a cavity between the cover member and the porous mesh member. The cavity is configured to retain a fluid to be nebulized.

Abstract: A nozzle unit for discharge of a pharmaceutical medium and a dispenser equipped therewith. The nozzle unit includes a common supply channel for supply of the medium and first and second discharge nozzles each having a discharge orifice for discharge of the medium supplied through the common supply channel. The nozzle unit is configured for atomized delivery of the medium and includes a first vortex chamber assigned to the first discharge nozzle and a second vortex chamber assigned to the second discharge nozzle for the purpose of atomizing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining water level in a humidifier chamber that is part of a humidified gases delivery apparatus and system. The method comprising the steps of delivering power to a heater plate, varying the power delivered to the heater plate, measuring the rate of change of temperature and determining the level of water based on the heating characteristics of the volume of water within the chamber, in particular determining the level of water within the chamber based on the rate of change of temperature and the supplied power.