Abstract: A seal and a respiraoty mask having a seal adapted for confronting engagement with a surface of a user to form an interface therewith. The seal includes a first portion defined by a gel substance. In one embodiment, the seal includes a selectively formable substance adapted to be molded from a first pattern into a second pattern and to retain the second pattern responsive to being so molded. The seal and mask having the seal in this embodiment is tailored to patient by causing the formable portion of the seal to be placed in a malleable state, applying the seal to the patient while the formable portion is in the malleable state, and causing the formable portion to be placed in a fixed state to retain a shape generally conforming to the portion of the patient underlying the seal.

Abstract: A respiratory mechanics measuring module includes a flow sensor, a differential-pressure sensor and a sampled-signal processing circuit which are connected in series. The module further includes a flow sensor reverse connection judging module and an alarm. The flow sensor reverse connection judging module judges the reverse connection of the flow sensor. The alarm gives an alarm signal indicating the flow sensor reverse connection to the main controller when the flow sensor reverse connection judging module judges that the flow sensor is reversedly connected.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device and method are provided for delivering substance to a nasal airway of a subject, 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. The delivery device is characterized by: a nosepiece for fitting to a nostril of a subject; a delivery unit including a substance supply unit and a nozzle unit including at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the substance supply unit for generating an aerosol spray for delivery to a nasal airway of the subject; and an aerosol interactor operable to interact with an aerosol spray as generated by the at least one nozzle.

Abstract: A compression bandaging system comprising a) an inner skin facing, elongated, elastic bandage comprising: (i) an elongated, elastic substrate and (ii) an elongated layer of foam, said foam layer being affixed to a face of said substrate and extending 33% or more across said face of substrate in transverse direction and 67% or more across said face of substrate in longitudinal direction; and b) an outer, elongated, self-adhering elastic bandage; said bandage having a compressive force when extended; wherein, in use, said foam layer of the inner bandage faces the skin and the outer bandage overlies the inner bandage.

Abstract: An improved Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) nozzle particularly suitable for a handheld pulmonary aerosol inhaler increases the consistent and efficient dispensing of therapeutic liquids by reducing or eliminating wetting through shielding of discharge electrodes. Some versions further eliminate wetting while enhances neutralization of the aerosol through presentation of a corona wind of ions annularly surround the aerosol. Incorporation of improved liquid distribution with consistent pressure drops to each EHD nozzle tip allows horizontal dispensing, and by using dielectric nozzle tips with low surface energy to thereby avoid wicking between dispenses and to advantageously reduce achievable particle size when dispensing. Some versions feature enhanced snap-fit assembly and other manufacturability advantages. One of the unique features of the EHD nozzles is achieved high dose rate (microliters/minute) with low wetting and small particle size (1.0-5 microns), although these properties tend to be mutually exclusive.

Abstract: A compression sleeve (10) has twelve inflatable cells (13) to be wrapped around a limb. The cells (13) are inflated to set pressures and duration by a fluid source. The cells (13) are numbered (1) to (12), with (1) being at the toe, or the wrist, and (12) being at the thigh, or the shoulder. In use, the inflation sequence begins with a peristaltic wave at cell (1) and finishes at cell (12). Then cell (12) is inflated and deflated 5 times, then cell (11) is inflated and deflated 5 times in the same way as cell (12), followed by a single peristaltic wave beginning at cell (12) to cell (11). This compression regime is repeated along the compression sleeve until cell (1) is inflated and deflated (5) times followed by a peristaltic wave from cell (1) to cell (12). The described compression sequence is particularly useful for lymphatic drainage.

Abstract: A method of pressure regulation and a ventilator are provided. The ventilator includes a positive relative pressure gas supply, a negative relative pressure gas supply, and a diverter valve. The diverter valve includes a positive pressure port connected to the positive relative pressure gas supply, a negative pressure port connected to the negative relative pressure gas supply, and a gas supply port communicating with a gas delivery device. The ventilator preferably further includes a feedback sensor that detects a gas supply difference between a gas supply and a predetermined gas supply and generates a feedback signal that is substantially related to the gas supply difference. The ventilator preferably further includes a diverter valve actuator communicating with the diverter valve and operating the diverter valve to communicate the positive relative pressure gas supply and the negative relative pressure gas supply to the gas supply port of the diverter valve based upon the feedback signal.

Abstract: Devices and methods to prevent airway collapse are disclosed. The device includes a mouthpiece featuring a positioning aid adjustable by inflation accomplished via a gas exchange port attachable to a source of pressure and a breathing tube. Inflation causes an asymmetric protrusion on the mouthpiece, preferably above the breathing tube so that the positioning aid fits into the roof of the mouth. Preferably, tongue movement is at least partially restricted. An additional device featuring a wearable battery operated compressor is further disclosed. A device in the form of a pacifier is disclosed as a preferred embodiment for use in young patients. Preferably, devices are supplied as articles of manufacture. Use of disclosed devices constitute methods of preventing collapse of the upper airway.

Abstract: Inhaler systems and method of use thereof are disclosed. One exemplary inhaler system, among others, includes an inhalation/exhalation structure including an inhalation/exhalation orifice. In addition, the inhaler system includes a medicament supply system having a medicament ejector disposed adjacent the inhalation/exhalation orifice. The medicament supply system controllably ejects medicament droplets from the medicament ejector. Further, the inhaler system includes a flow control system in fluidic communication with the medicament ejector. The flow control system is configured to entrain the medicament droplets and pass the medicament droplets to the inhalation/exhalation orifice when the patient applies an in-breath to the inhalation/exhalation structure. In addition, the flow control system is configured to impede a flow of air from the inhalation/exhalation orifice to the medicament ejector when the patient applies an out-breath into the inhalation/exhalation structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible respiratory protective hood having interior and exterior surfaces. Multiple apertures are die-cut in the hood in a predetermined geometric configuration. A substantially rigid respiration component to provides a fluid pathway between hood interior and exterior. Raised fluid ports extend from the respiration component and are aligned with the apertures. Fluid ports extend from the hood interior surface and project from the hood exterior surface. A bond between the hood interior surface and the respiration component form a fluid impermeable seal between the respiration component and hood.

Abstract: A system including methods and apparatus for treatment of a medical disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or congestive heart failure. The system involves applying a gain to flow rate of pressurized gas delivered to a patient during inspiratory and/or expiratory phases of a respiratory cycle to deliver the pressurized gas in proportion to the respective gains during inspiration and/or expiration. A base pressure may be applied in addition to the gain-modified pressures and an elevated pressure profile may be employed to assist or control inspiration. The system may be fully automated responsive to feedback provided by a flow sensor that determines the estimated patient flow rate. A leak computer can be included to instantaneously calculate gas leakage from the system. The system may be utilized in connection with conventional continuous positive airway pressure treatments, such as CPAP or bi-level positive airway pressure equipment to effect various beneficial treatment applications.

Abstract: A tubular body is operatively coupled to an oral nasal mask and provided with lateral apertures adapted for fluid flow. A flexible valve is mounted onto one end of the tubular body and adapted to seal the lateral apertures under normal operation conditions and expose the lateral apertures for fluid flow during emergency operation conditions. The sealed lateral apertures keep exhaust gases from escaping the oral nasal mask and contaminating the interior of the diving equipment during normal operation conditions. The exposed lateral apertures allow air from an alternate source to reach the mouth and nose of a user covered by the oral nasal mask during emergency operation conditions. The exposed lateral apertures allow excess water to be removed from inside the diving equipment. The valve system may be implemented as an integrated regulator mount nut/valve system.

Abstract: A Regulator-Oxygen (ROX) Unit for regulating oxygen flow in an emergency oxygen distribution system in passenger aircraft initially allows unregulated surge of oxygen to purge ambient air from the system. After sufficient pressure is achieved in the system, the ROX unit regulates oxygen flow mechanically with a diaphragm engaging a regulator valve that responds to the pressure of the oxygen under the diaphragm to reduce the flow of oxygen through the ROX unit, which accounts for altitude changes by communicating the inlet pressure to the chamber above the diaphragm. A bleed exit allows the oxygen to escape to the ambient air. One or more aneroid valves serve to adjust the amount of oxygen allowed to exit through the bleed exit, allowing less oxygen to escape with increasing altitude. An increase in pressure above the diaphragm allows more oxygen to flow through the regulator valve.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask includes an airway conduit, and a mask connected to the airway conduit, the mask that includes an inflatable portion. An inflation lumen is coupled to the inflatable portion of the mask as well as an inflation valve. The inflation valve includes an exterior housing that has an exit aperture and a stem that is movable between an open position and a closed position. A vent clip is removably coupled to the inflation valve and includes a body portion, an exterior housing interface portion extending from the body portion and a finger extending from the body portion. The exterior housing interface portion includes a gripping surface which is formed to contact at least an approximately 90 degree portion of the inflation valve exterior housing and the finger maintains the inflation valve in an open position.

Abstract: An improved high efficiency suction control valve providing unobstructed fluid flow in its activated suction applied mode for removal of viscous secretions at a low level of applied input suction through the catheter. The valve provides positive sealing between a hand-operated plunger and the valve passageway walls against which the plunger engages by slightly over sizing the plunger walls such that the plunger walls expand against a further suction passageway. Similar sealing is provided between the plunger and passageway above the suction passageway.

Abstract: A breathing system with a facepiece that includes a first port adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the outlet of a regulator assembly to introduce pressurized breathing gas into the facepiece; a second port adapted to be connected to an air purifying system; and an exhaust valve through which the user's exhausted breath can exit the facepiece. The breathing system also includes a pressure adjustment mechanism that includes a communication link in communicative connection with an actuator such that the exhaust pressure adjustment mechanism sets the internal facepiece pressure required to open the exhaust valve, independently of the respiration of the user, to a first pressure when the actuator is in the first state, to a second pressure when the actuator is in the second state. The first pressure is higher than the second pressure.

Abstract: A chest compression apparatus and method of use providing an air flow generator component, a pulse frequency control component having a fan blade valve for producing a wave form, a multi-port air chamber and a patient vest. A vest with a sizing feature is also disclosed. The apparatus can be used to apply sharp compression pulses to the thorax via the inflatable vest worn by the patient.

Abstract: A unique construction of this douche ensures that the incoming and outgoing streams of cleansing liquid do not mix inside the device. Thus it provides a superior cleansing of the vagina. The device has two parts: an inner core and an outer casing, which so snap fit together that create two isolated spaces inside the device securing no leakage between them. The parts are easily separable for cleaning purposes. The base of the device is round so, when placed against the entrance of the vagina, it acts as a plug. The base has two pipe connectors for a cleansing liquid, an inlet and an outlet, and these are interchangeable. A stream of liquid passing through the device smoothes out folds of the vagina, covering its entire surface, and thus ensures Improved hygiene and therapy. This douching device simultaneously provides vaginal hydromassage, which can be enhanced by manually compressing the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to apparatuses and methods for evaluating the amount of “play” in a joint. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that quantifies the rotation of the tibia in response to a known torque. The apparatus is configured to minimize the influence of other joints on the rotation analysis. Other embodiments provide data related to movement of the tibia in other degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Actuator for an inhaler for delivering medicament by inhalation, having a main body with a tubular member for receiving a canister containing medicament and having a valve stem extending therefrom; and an outlet assembly, as a part formed separately of the main body, including a mouthpiece for guiding medicament to the mouth of a user and a nozzle block for receiving the valve stem of the canister and delivering medicament from the canister into the mouthpiece. The actuator belongs to a range of inhaler actuators where the outlet assembly is a common part for the range of actuators, and the members of the range of actuators differ by the physical appearance of the main body. The outlet assembly is formed such that it has all parts of the actuator that come into contact with the medicament during normal use, and the main body and the outlet assembly are configured so as to snap-fit together and are provided with complementary snap catch members.