Abstract: A superglottic and peri-laryngeal apparatus for supraglottic airway device insertion that contemporaneously clears a patient's upper airway of the tongue and other pharyngeal tissues, and raises the epiglottis without use of the medical practitioner's fingers in the upper airway. The insertion apparatus comprises an offset member with a compressor-lever shield at a distal insertion end and a handle at the proximal end thereof. The offset member, medially disposed between the handle and the compressor-lever shield, should preferably be configured to be substantially flat, consistent in thickness throughout and having a tight, arcuate shape. The compressor-lever shield member preferably widens from its junction with the offset member into a broad tip at its leading distal edge.

Abstract: A sub-housing received within a housing of an apparatus for supplying breathable gas, includes a gas flow path between a gas inlet and a gas outlet and an impeller in fluid communication between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The impeller is structured and configured to be releasably engaged with a shaft associated with an electric motor that is disposed exterior to the housing, whereby rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the impeller.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway has a curved tubular guide for insertion through the patient's mouth and oropharynx. After insertion of the guide, the beveled distal opening of the guide abuts the laryngeal inlet, while the guide's proximal opening remains outside the patient's mouth. A laryngeal mask surrounds the distal opening of the guide to substantially seal the laryngeal inlet about the distal opening of the guide. A ventilation port adjacent to the proximal opening of the guide supplies air/oxygen through the guide into the patient's lungs. An endotracheal tube can then be advanced along the length of guide and through the patient's larynx without interrupting ventilation.

Abstract: A neck seal for use in a protective hood includes an inner section including a passage for donning. The inner section is fabricated from an elastomeric material to form a seal around a neck of a user. The neck seal also includes an outer section adhered to the inner section. The outer section is fabricated from a material heat sealable to a hood covering material. In one embodiment, the elastomeric material of the inner section is a latex material. The outer section can, for example, be fabricated from a thermoplastic material. In one embodiment the thermoplastic material is a polyurethane such as a polyester-based polyurethane.

Abstract: An endo-tracheal tube retainer used to facilitate the removal of a laryngeal mask 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 is provided. The endo-tracheal tube retainer includes a semi-rigid stylet having proximate and distal ends and a soft curved stylet cap secured to the proximal end. The endo-tracheal tube also includes a connection adapter that is tapered from front to rear for secure insertion within a range of endo-tracheal tubes, removably secured to the distal end.

Abstract: A vent valve apparatus for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurized above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal includes a gas washout vent, a vent valve adapted to progressively restrict the flow area of the washout vent, and a pressure sensitive vent valve controller. The controller is adapted to progressively cause the vent valve to restrict the flow area of the gas washout vent in response to increases in the pressure of the gas supply. Thereby, the vent valve substantially regulates the flow of gas through the washout vent over a range of gas supply pressures.

Abstract: An airway device is disclosed. The airway device includes a tubular structure including a first end region having a first opening and a second end region having a second opening. A mask is in the tubular structure and the mask defines the first opening. An inflatable balloon is proximate to the first end region of the tubular structure, and a pilot tube can be in communication with the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively positioning intraoral anatomic features of a human patient to enhance upper airway stability for use alone or in combination with positive airway pressure as therapeutic treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and other conditions, such as snoring, which are symptomatic of upper airway instability.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulation system has an inlet, an outlet, and an adjustable flow regulator connected between the inlet and the outlet. The regulator has a closed position at which a leakage gas flow through the system is established. An extraction device is provided for fluid connection with one or both of the inlet and the outlet and is operable to extract fluid to provide a zero or negative flow from the outlet when the flow regulator is in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention includes a non-rebreathing circuit coupled with computer-controlled gas adjustments. Ambient air is diluted with nitrogen on a breath-by-breath basis to provide precise control over the inspired concentration of oxygen/nitrogen mixture, thereby simulating selected altitudes on an almost instantaneous basis. Carbon dioxide and water vapor exhaled by the subject are released into the environment and absorption is not necessary. In addition, the mixed gas can be administered through a standard aviator's oxygen mask, increasing the realism of the simulation and removing obvious external cues on the nature of the experiment. Maintenance on the mixing loop is low when compared to re-breathing units, since no consumable items are necessary to absorb water vapor or carbon dioxide. A mixing device provides a homogenized mixture of nitrogen/oxygen fluid to the subject.

Abstract: A medication inhalation therapy apparatus designed for the delivery of finely misted medicines to a patient in conjunction with the inhalation of 100% oxygen by the patient. The apparatus comprises a facemask equipped with an oxygen port for delivering oxygen, the facemask placed about or on the face of the patient. The facemask has a nebulizer mechanism disposed thereon, which is used to deliver medication in addition to oxygen. The nebulizer mechanism comprises a nebulizer port, which rotates 90 degrees in either direction to allow the present invention to be used in various angles. The nebulizer port is adapted to receive a nebulizer head, wherein are placed inhaleable medications, which are nebulized. When the apparatus is used for medication inhalation therapy, the nebulizer head receives oxygen for nebulizing inhaleable medications placed therein, the oxygen received from an oxygen port, which delivers oxygen to the facemask.

Abstract: An electro-dose constitutes a metered medical powder and is formed from an electro-powder constituting an active powder substance or a dry powder medical formulation being transferred onto a device member forming a dose carrier. The electro-dose prepared from an electro-powder presents a fine particle fraction (FPF) having of the order 50% or more of its content with a particle size between 0.5-5 ?m. The electro-powder of such a metered electro-dose further provides electrostatic properties regarding absolute specific charge per mass after charging of the order 0.1 to 25 ?C/g and presents a charge decay rate constant Q50 of more than 0.1 sec with a tap density of less than 0.8 g/ml and a water activity aw of less than 0.5. The electro-dose porosity is adjusted to obtain an optimized porosity value in percent of 75 to 99.9 calculated as 100?100×(Densityelectro-dose/Densityelectro-powder).

Abstract: A gas mask having a filter canister mount including an inhalation valve and a self-sealing mechanism that prevents air inflow when a filter canister is removed from the canister mount. In one embodiment, the self-sealing valve includes an elastomeric diaphragm mounted in the inlet port and includes a hinge and a skirt, the skirt having a sealing surface that is biased into contact with a valve seat. The filter canister includes a projection adapted to act on the hinge to pivot the skirt away from the sealing surface as the canister is fitted to the canister mount. In one embodiment, the canister comprises a stacked-radial-flow arrangement of particulate and carbon filtration media. In one embodiment, the gas mask includes a visor having a pair of spaced optical panels with a hinge mounted therebetween for relative rotational movement.

Abstract: Device (1) for monitoring cardiac compression being applied to a pateitn comprises a body to overlie and contact the sternum, preferably of width no greater than the width of the sternum. The device includes indidication means (9) responsive to the force applied to the body by the user for providing an indication of the cardiac compression applied to the sternum. Also disclosed is a resuscitation mask adapted to be place over the mouth of a patient, the mask includes a nostril closing means adapted to press against the sides of the nose to close the nostrils when the mask is sealed against the face of the patient.

Abstract: An aerosolization device comprises a housing having a mouthpiece, an aerosol generator, a flow sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to begin operation of the aerosol generator upon receipt of a signal from the flow sensor indicating that a threshold flow rate has been achieved by a user when inhaling a tidal breath through the mouthpiece, and to stop operation after the passage of an operation time period that is selected such that continuation of the tidal breath delivers substantially all of the aerosol to the lungs.

Abstract: A microstructured filter for a fluid, the filter having an inlet for unfiltered fluid and an outlet for filtered fluid, the filter comprising: a plurality of projections (7) which are arranged in at least two rows (3) in mutually juxtaposed relationship and which project out of a base plate (1) and which are an integral component of the base plate, a plurality of passages (8) between the projections (7), and a cover plate which is securable to the base plate to cover the projections (7) and the passages (8), wherein the passages form a plurality of through paths from the inlet to the outlet, said inlet comprises an elongate inlet slot (5) for the unfiltered fluid, which extends over approximately the entire filter width and which is approximately as high as the projection (7) projecting out of the base plate, on the outlet side of the filter. The filter according to the invention remains operational, even if a part of the filter area is obstructed.

Abstract: A snorkel splash protector attached at an upper end of a snorkel and having a housing connected to an end of the snorkel tube, a float member and a top cover. A sidewall between a hollow tube and supports provides plurality of water and air inlet/outlet apertures. A middle portion between the supports and the hollow tube formed an axial passage. A float member is located on a top of the passage mounting a filler and forming an opening. A top cover is located on the housing. The float member moves between open or closed positions by its buoyancy, which can float under water, and down by its own weight when located above a water level.

Abstract: A portable liquid oxygen (LOX) storage/delivery apparatus is provided, including an insulated LOX container having an interior, a top portion, bottom portion, and sidewall, the sidewall including a first and second side portion, both extending between the top and bottom portion, and a port system in communication with the interior for charging the container and for withdrawing LOX and gaseous oxygen. The gaseous oxygen is withdrawn from the container through a first outlet and LOX is withdrawn from the container through a second outlet when the container is positioned in a first orientation with the sidewall vertically oriented, as well as when the container is positioned in a second orientation with the second side portion oriented downwardly and with the first side portion upwardly and overlying the second side portion, and any position in between.

Abstract: Control valve (10) for a user-donnable breathing device selectively switches from a normal breathing oxygen source to a pressurized emergency bottle. A valve body (12) has a normal oxygen source inlet and also an emergency source inlet for oxygen flow to the user of the device when donned. A poppet (30) permits normal source oxygen flow into the valve body (12), normally keeping a piston (32) in a spring-biased cocked position spaced from a seal of the emergency bottle. A user-operated release permits the poppet to move to a position for blocking the normal source inlet but allowing the piston to become uncocked and so be driven by spring force to pierce the emergency bottle seal. Only emergency breathing oxygen from the bottle then flows to the user for emergency breathing. The device can be an escape hood for an aircraft passenger.

Abstract: The face or nose mask (1) includes a mask body (2) with an inlet (3). The mask body (2) includes a sealing element with a first chamber (10), and a second chamber (11) which can be connected by connectors (12, 13) to a source of pressurized air.