Abstract: An audible waveform system is provided that senses a parameter relating to the ventilation of a patient. The system produces short bursts of sound of a predetermined frequency as the changes occur in that parameter based on certain increments of change. The bursts themselves are preferable at a frequency that is the same for equal pressures but increases and decreases in frequency as the parameter increases or decreases, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the system provides an audible waveform based on the pressure in the patient airway so that the clinician can receive information relating to that waveform conveniently and without taking attention away from other monitors and/or alarms.

Abstract: A surgical smoke evacuator comprising a housing, an airflow channel through the housing, at least one filter placed in an operative position along the air flow channel, filter alignment means between the filter and housing for guiding the filter relative to the housing along a predetermined circuitous path extending between the inlet of the housing and the filter cavity within the housing during loading and unloading of the filter in the smoke evacuator, said circuitous path including at least one axial portion wherein the filter is movable axially relative to the the housing and at least one angular portion wherein the filter is movable angularly about the longitudinal axis of the filter relative to the housing.

Abstract: A tracheal tube has an extruded suction lumen extending along its length on the outside of the curvature of the tube. The suction lumen opens internally to the main lumen through a series of holes, which increase in size towards the patient end of the tube. Towards the machine end of the tube, the suction lumen is connected to a suction source by which suction is applied to the suction lumen to remove secretions that collect inside the tube.

Abstract: A portable enclosure system and method for providing a suitable breathing atmosphere therein includes a chamber. The chamber may assume a variety of shapes. An electric fan and filter assembly is provided and is attached to the chamber by way of a flexible air hose. The fan draws air into the fan and filter assembly and exhausts it into the air hose through a filter. The filtered air travels into the chamber thus providing a positive pressure within the chamber. The positive pressure within the chamber forces unwanted particulates out of the chamber by way of exhaust ports and prevents unwanted particulates from entering the chamber. In providing an enclosure filled with a suitable breathing environment, the chamber is placed on a substantially flat surface. The fan is turned on and the chamber is allowed to be purged of unwanted allergens. The fan remains on to maintain a positive pressure within the chamber and provide a steady supply of fresh filtered air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for the delivery of respiratory therapy in the treatment of respiratory disorders and abnormalities, such as apnea and other sleep disorders. A qualified professional takes a moulage of a patient's facial skeletal structure and therefrom casts a custom hard shell of the imprinted facial features. Upon the shell hardening, the shell is then lined and further manipulated and a soft gasket interface attached to the mask where the mask interfaces with the patient's face. The contact medium, coupled with the custom hard shell, allows for a vacuum-like seal. A section is then cut and an area sufficient to allow the attachment of the respiratory devices for the supply of air is created. The apparatus is further held in place by means of a strap-like device having one or more contact points upon the present invention. The present disclosure overcomes the prior devices, enhancing seal, comfort effectiveness and patient compliance.

Abstract: An ashtray includes an insert with a cylindrical section having at least one radial or side opening therethrough and lugs at one end to restrict the movement of a cigarette. An entry to the cylindrical section is provided. The side opening is sized to fit over a burning portion of a lighted cigarette to diminish the rate of combustion and simultaneously suppress smoke while permitting the cigarette to continue to burn for more than a few seconds, but causing extinguishment after a defined period greater than a few seconds. The holder may be used in combination with a table top ashtray, a cup holder ashtray or various other ashtrays.

Abstract: A device, drug package and methodology for using such to generate an aerosol by moving a flowable formulation through a low resistance filter and then through a nozzle comprised of a porous membrane are disclosed. The package is comprised of a collapsible wall portion that forms a container for holding a liquid formulation which container has an opening covered by a cover portion comprising a nozzle. The membrane pores of the nozzle have a size in the range of 0.25 to 6 microns, preferably 0.5 to 6 microns. A low resistance filter, which is positioned between the flowable formulation and the nozzle, includes openings that are the same size as or smaller than the pores of the nozzle's porous membrane but includes the openings in an amount and density such that flowable formulation flows through the filter with less resistance than when the formulation moves through the porous membrane.

Abstract: A microphone signal attenuating breathing mask body having a gas port for inhalation of a gas to the wearer in a flow stream therethrough. A demand microphone is mounted to the mask and is coupled to an electromagnetic switch responsive to a predetermined magnetic field for switching from an actuation to an attenuation position to block transmission of sound from the microphone. An air vane is pivotally mounted on the mask body and is formed with an impingement pad positioned in the flow stream and mounts an activating magnet disposed adjacent the switch. The vane is normally disposed in a normal position such that the magnet is in an activating position and the electromagnetic switch is in the actuation position such that the microphone is active for transmission of audio signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the conservation of respiratory promoters following their pulmonary introduction are disclosed. In preferred embodiments the present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing the loss of respiratory promoter, and particularly fluorochemcials, during medical procedures such as liquid ventilation. The disclosed methods comprise the use of vapor retention assemblies, which may be conventional heat and moisture exchangers, to passively retain the respiratory promoter and return it to the lungs in subsequent breaths. Novel vapor retention assemblies comprising fluorophilic exchange elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas flow control element with a gas-permeable section, through which excess gas flows to the outside from an interior space (10), is to be improved such that it can be cleaned with ease and that a defined, reproducible discharge is present. To accomplish this task, the gas-permeable section comprises individual disks (5) lying one on top of another, which are provided with flow channels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a manual pressing and automatic air breathing cardiopulmonary resuscitation first-aid device, mainly comprising a manual pressing shaft, a pump, an air storage tank, a height-adjustable stand, an air control valve and a mouth-nose breather. In operation, the manual pressing shaft is pressed to cause the pump to compress downwards such that air is compressed into the air storage tank and temporarily stored therein. Each time the manual pressing shaft is pressed downwards, the air control valve is activated to rotate a one-fifth revolution. When the manual pressing shaft is pressed five times continuously, that is, the air control valve rotates a complete revolution, the air temporarily stored within the air storage tank will be released and breathed into the patient's mouth via the mouth-nose breather. Such an action must be repeated continuously until the patient is revived.

Abstract: A heat and fire resistant respiratory filtration mask is specially adapted for protecting firefighters in wildland/brush fire environments. The mask is fabricated of heat and fire resistant material and includes facilitated fasteners for attachment to the head and face of the user. A respiratory filtration pocket is provided for accommodation of a respiratory filtration element such as a fiber filter. The pocket has a closable slit for accessing the filter for removal and replacement. The mask includes openings for exhalation valves of filtration elements and openings for ventilation through the nose and mouth of the wearer. Alternatively, inhalation and exhalation orifices are provided to accommodate a canister-type filter, with a filter cartridge of the canister-type filter also functioning as a fastener to the mask. In a preferred embodiment the mask is elongated to provide heat and flame protection to the neck as well as the entire facial area below the eyes.

Abstract: Improved methodology and apparatus for the clinical study and treatment of sleep apnea which incorporates one or more of the following features: (1) application of mono-level, alternating high and low level, or variable positive airway pressure generally within the airway of the patient with the mono-level, high and low level, or variable airway pressure generally being coordinated with and/or responsive to the spontaneous respiration of the patient, (2) usage of adjustably programmable pressure ramp circuitry capable of producing multiple pressure ramp cycles of predetermined duration and pattern whereby the ramp cycles may be customized to accommodate the specific needs of an individual sleep apnea patient so as to ease the patient's transition from wakefulness to sleep, (3) remote control or patient-sensed operation of the apparatus, (4) employment of safety circuitry, reset circuitry and minimum system leak assurance circuitry, controls and methods, and (5) utilization of clinical control circuitry whereb

Abstract: A transpharyngeal tube (10), especially for intubation anaesthesia, has a tube shaft (13) on which an inflatable primary cuff (18) for blocking the pharynx (19) and an inflatable secondary cuff (16) for blocking the esophagus (12) are disposed. At least one application channel (20) is formed on or in the tube shaft (13) which has an application opening (21), located below the primary cuff (18), for application of substances into the trachea (14). The secondary cuff (16) surrounds a tube tip (11) of the tube shaft (13) which seats in the entrance region of the esophagus (12) on an inner wall (15) thereof when the transpharyngeal tube (10) is inserted. This configuration of the transpharyngeal tube (10) facilitates a safe, reproduceable, and directed insertion into the esophagus (12) with which a safe and painless securing of the transpharyngeal tube (10) and controlled application of the application substance into the trachea (14) are guaranteed.

Abstract: A neck flange supports a tracheostomy tube inserted into the neck and has a neck engaging portion of a molded thin flexible flat sheet of a transparent polymer. An interconnection positioned centrally within the neck engaging portion and carried thereby has a ring shaped body with an opening and a pair of opposed pivot pins extending inwardly into the opening for carrying the tube passing therethrough. The pair of opposed pins fit for movement within recesses in the tube to permit limited swivel motion. The interconnection is molded of a transparent polymer material that is less flexible than the neck engaging portion and has a stepped cross section so the pair of opposed pivot pins are raised relative to the ring shaped body. The neck engaging portion is molded about the interconnection so the raised pair of opposed pins remain exposed.

Abstract: A removable device inserted into the nose which is designed to improve quality of sleep by increasing air-flow volume to lungs and to provide relief from snoring caused by insufficient air and mouth breathing. Triangular in shape with an open-ended base, the device has a tipped vertex and two cone-shaped, spiral coils positioned sideways at the open end of each side, one for each nostril. The device is adjustable by narrowing or widening the span between the coils, by shortening or lengthening the device by rolling or unrolling coils, by changing the direction or slant of the coil to accommodate the configuration of the nostril--which can be moved either from the top of the coil and/or from the bottom of the coil, and by adjusting the depth of the coil by increasing or decreasing the space between the spirals of each coil.

Abstract: In a device for transmitting information via a patient tube from a location near the patient to an intensive care or anesthetic machine, at least one signal source is arranged at one end portion of the tube to deliver information-carrying signals which propagate longitudinally through the medium inside the tube. At least one receiver is arranged at the other end of the tube to receive the signals.

Abstract: The method and system for controlling airway pressure in a ventilator during the inspiratory cycle involves controlling the flow of breathing gas through a flow supply valve venting the breathing gas at a desired rate of outflow through a relief valve to achieve the desired airway pressure. Measurements of the rates of actual supply flow, the actual outflow through the exhalation/relief valve, and the pressure in the airway are compared with desired values for determination the amount of error for feedback control of the ventilator system.

Abstract: An electronic medication chronolog device adapted for attachment to various shapes and sizes of conventional pressurized inhalant packages. The packages include in common an actuator housing with one end having a mouthpiece and an opposite end having an opening for receiving a vial/canister therein. The vial/canister having a valve stem used for dispensing a prescribed dosage of medication inhalant in an aerosol chamber inside the actuator housing. The aerosol chamber is disposed next to an outlet of the mouthpiece for dispensing the medication therethrough. The chronolog device includes computing and recording equipment with audio and visual display mounted in a chronolog housing. The chronolog housing is adapted for attachment to the actuator housing. A strain gauge sensing arm is attached to the computing equipment and extends through a hole in a side of the actuator housing for engaging a portion of the vial/canister next to the valve stem.

Abstract: A medicator for a capsule filled with a powdered drug, comprising: a first member adapted to receive a capsule therein; a second member, having an air supply valve structure, arranged to communicate with the first member and arranged to operatively discharge air sucked from outside the medicator towards the first member in which a capsule is received; an air stream passage formed within the first member and the second member to direct air discharged from the air supply valve structure in a direction towards a capsule received by the first member; a third member removably attached to the first member to spray powdered drug in a capsule out of the medicator with air discharged from the air supply valve structure via the air stream passage; a drug trapping structure formed in the air stream passage to trap part of powdered drug contained in a capsule which falls down into the drug trapping structure; and a drug collecting structure formed in the air stream passage between the drug trapping structure and the air