Abstract: An endoscopic bite block system for increasing the speed and efficiency of an endoscopic procedure. The endoscopic bite block system includes a base member including a central opening and at least one tube attachment, a channel member latitudinally extending from an outer edge of the central opening and a strap member removably attached to the base member, wherein the strap member removably attaches the base member to the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: An infant nasal interface mask for use with a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) system including a mask body and a base. The mask body forms a cavity and is defined by a leading portion, an intermediate shell portion, and a trailing portion. The leading portion terminates in a leading edge forming an aperture open to the cavity and having a generally triangular shape for placement over a patient's nose. The trailing portion includes a bellows segment characterized by an increased flexibility as compared to a flexibility of the intermediate shell portion. The base extends from the trailing portion opposite the leading portion and forms at least one longitudinal passage extending through a thickness of the base and fluidly connected to the cavity. The intermediate shell portion is laterally pivotable relative to the base via the bellows segment.

Abstract: An improved carbon dioxide absorber for use in a closed circuit patient breathing system has a canister insertable in the breathing circuit for receiving recirculating breathing gases. The canister contains a pelletized CO2 absorbent material that removes the CO2 from the breathing gases passing through the absorber. A quantity of the CO2 absorbent material is treated with a chemical indicator such that the chemical indicator makes a color change indicative of the state of the absorptive capacity of the absorbent material. A separate quantity of the CO2 absorbent material is treated with a second chemical indicator. The second chemical indicator changes color to indicate the degree of dryness of the CO2 absorbent material. The second chemical indicator may comprise cobalt chloride and serves to indicate the potential for excessive heat generation and toxic gas generation conditions within the CO2 absorbent canister.

Abstract: An inflatable isolating cabin is provided for a patient to be isolated, and especially for a patient to be moved or transported, and the cabin can be formed after being inflated and collapsed into a solid form convenient for storage. It comprises a very tough and soft base, a flexible outer hood, an inflatable supporting structure, and a filtering means. Wherein a part of the periphery of the outer hood is fixedly connected with the base, and the other part is detachably connected with the base; the inflatable supporting structure is provided with at least one inflation inlet hole and after the inflation of the supporting structure, the outer hood is unfolded away from the base to form the cabin to allow a patient to lie therein.

Abstract: A combined air-supplying/air-purifying breathing system that includes a self-contained breathing apparatus, a facepiece for delivering breathable air from the self-contained breathing apparatus to a user, and a powered air-purifying respirator having at least one filter and a blower and having an output connected by a hose assembly to the facepiece. A control interface operationally connects the self-contained breathing apparatus to the powered air-purifying respirator. The self-contained breathing apparatus includes a pressure vessel, a cylinder valve assembly and a pressure reducer, all carried by a back frame, and the powered air-purifying respirator is adapted to be mounted on, and carried by, the back frame, by coupling the back frame and the respirator together at respective attachment points.

Abstract: A cannula having at least three separate flow passages and comprising separate nasal and mouth main bodies. The nasal body has first and second nares and first and second main flow chambers respectively communicating with first and second ports, and the first and second flow chambers are separated from one another by a septum. The mouth main body is adjacent the nasal main body and has at least one mouthpiece and at least a third main flow chamber therein communicating with a third port. The cannula has at least first, second and third flow paths which can be connected with a desired supply, monitoring or detection device. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the cannula.

Abstract: A medical respiratory apparatus includes a chamber (10) which is at least in part at least translucent. The chamber (10) includes a float member (12) formed of an inert material and contains, in use, a fluid intended for inhalation. The float member (12) is adapted to float upon the fluid intended to be contained within the chamber (10) and has a peripheral dimension adjacent, but less than, the internal peripheral dimension of the chamber (10). At least the outer peripheral surface of the float member (12) has a coloration distinct from that of the fluid to be contained within the chamber such that the level of the fluid within the chamber (10) can be readily observed.

Abstract: A device for mixing anesthetic vapor with anesthetic gas has a pressure limitation feature achieved in a simple manner. The device has a valve device (11), with which the evaporator is switched on and off. The valve device (11) is equipped with an overpressure release device (22).

Abstract: A sealing frame for a breathing mask is provided that can be adapted to the contours of the face of a mask user in a simple manner. The sealing frame (1), includes a soft plastic material (5) with embedded metal strips (6).

Abstract: The present invention is a generally conical nebulizer, aerosol, filter or inhalant face mask for sealing against the atmosphere a wearer's mouth and nose, the improvement comprising a representation of a face on the outside surface with an exhaust valve located where the mouth would be located. The exhaust valve is adapted to visibly lift outward and up from the outside mask surface to imitate a flapping tongue.

Abstract: A heat exchange module comprising a number of substantially parallel and spaced apart heat exchange elements is provided. One or more surfaces of the heat exchange elements may be coated with a dessicant. The module can be manufactured so that first and second surfaces of the module are curved. The module may be used as part of a face mask or other garment that positions the module within the respiratory air stream of a user. The module may be inserted in a mesh sleeve provided as part of the garment. The module may also be used as part of other forms of clothing that protect the face and in protective helmets, or as part of outdoor or survival equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for deploying a bronchial isolation device in a bronchial passageway in a lung of a patient. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an outer shaft having a distal end. A housing is coupled to the distal end of the outer shaft and configured to receive the bronchial device. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the outer shaft. A handle is adapted to move the outer shaft relative to both the inner shaft and the handle while the inner shaft remains fixed relative to the handle so as to eject the bronchial isolation device from the housing.

Abstract: A gas regulator includes a delivery valve assembly having a delivery outlet and a delivery valve member engageable with the delivery outlet for controlling flow of a gas from a gas source. A timing gas chamber receives gas from the gas source. Gas pressure within the timing gas chamber controls the operation of the delivery valve member. An adjustment system controls the amount of time required for the gas to fill the timing gas chamber so as to control the length of time that the delivery valve assembly is opened to conserve gas. In other embodiments, a capacity adjustment system can adjust the capacity of a gas reservoir system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for operating powered air-purifying respirators safely in explosive atmospheres. The apparatus and method utilize a current control means for sensing a current flow from a battery to a motor, and stopping the current flow when the current flow exceeds a threshold value for a predetermined amount of time. Upon sensing that the current flow has exceeded the threshold value for the predetermined amount of time, the current control means immediately stops the current flow. The apparatus and method provides sufficient power to properly start and operate the motor by providing a soft start to the motor by limiting the duration of higher than threshold operating current to intervals shorter than the predetermined amount of time. Pulse width modulation is used to ramp-up the motor to speed by supplying pulses of energy to the motor that will not cause the current control means to stop the current flow.

Abstract: An electronic controller (16) controls the operation of an electrochemical oxygen generating system (14) producing a desired gas. The product gas is fed to a storage unit (12) or a regulator (28) and pulsing valve (28) controlling the gas flow to a user. A two-stage system (180) combines a low pressure 100 and a high pressure (150) gas generating subsystems. The low pressure subsystem (100) uses IMAT's (106) to pump oxygen from ambient air to generate a low-pressure. The high pressure subsystem (150) uses IMAT's (160) to pump oxygen to high-pressure oxygen storage devices (194).

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for monitoring respiratory disorders based on monitored factors of a photoplethysmography (PPG) signal that is representative of peripheral blood volume. The monitored factors can be respiratory effort as well as respiratory rate and/or blood oxygen saturation level. The systems and devices may or may not be implanted in a patient.

Abstract: A respirator for a compressed air breathing apparatus including a lung machine controlled by a control membrane and an expiratory valve with an air outlet. The air outlet of the expiratory valve and the control membrane of the lung machine are covered by a common lid spaced from the expiratory valve and control membrane, with there being at least one air discharge opening on the lid that forms a purging space around the control membrane through which air from the air outlet passes so as to move against the control membrane and to the at least one discharge opening.

Abstract: A system and method are for monitoring control signals provided to a medical apparatus bases upon tactile feedback from the apparatus. The system and method employ a monitoring signal indicative of a parameter relating to the apparatus or to a condition of a patient associated with the apparatus.

Abstract: Mask ports 180 for attaching supplemental oxygen tubes 510 or measurement devices to a respiratory mask are downwardly directed and recessed into the base 110 of the mask frame 100. The ports may comprise a pair of downwardly extending tubular spigots 185 each housed in a respective recess 190 in the base 110, with a shallow bridging recess 290 therebetween for receiving a bridging piece 300 of a closure cap 280.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient. The device includes a patient interface and connecting member. The connecting member is preferably a L-shaped swivelled connector that is capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where the connector is freely rotatable within the patient interface, and a second position where an interference between the interface and connector prevents the free rotation of the connector within the patient interface. The present invention further relates to a connector that has outlet means, which includes at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion gases expired from the patient through the outlet vent or vents.