Abstract: A breathable gas supply apparatus has a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas and a humidifier base unit configured to be coupled to the flow generator. A water container is configured to be removably coupled to the humidifier base unit and includes an air inlet and an air inlet passage extending into an interior of the water container from the air inlet. The air inlet passage is configured to direct the pressurized flow of breathable gas in a direction that is substantially parallel to a base of the water container. A barrier wall is provided across an outlet end of the air inlet passage and extends downward from the air inlet passage toward the water container base. In addition, a curved wall opposes both the outlet end of the air inlet passage and the barrier wall and extends downward toward the water container base.

Abstract: A wearable power assistive device for hand rehabilitation includes a hand brace having an external platform and an internal platform connected to and spaced inwardly from the external platform. Five finger assemblies are adjustably mounted on and extending from the distal end of the external platform. Each finger assembly includes a proximal follower assembly for a metacarpophalangeal joint. Five motors are used to actuate the five finger assemblies respectively. Each motor is mounted in close proximity to the external platform and has one end connected to the external platform and another end coupled to its proximal follower assembly by a ball joint in order to facilitate transfer of force and minimize mechanical stress on the other parts of the device.

Abstract: A method for augmenting blood flow in a limb that is wrapped with a sleeve having at least one chamber for applying compression to the limb in a region generally underlying the chamber includes pressurizing the chamber to a first compression pressure and then reducing the pressure to a refill pressure. Pressure in the chamber is then sensed to determine a first venous refill time. The preceding steps are repeated a second and other times using second and other compression pressures that are different from the first compression pressure and from each other to determine second and other venous refill times. A customized compression pressure is determined by locating the compression pressure at which blood flow out of the region generally underlying the chamber is maximized by finding compression pressure at a maximum venous refill time. A compression device employing such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The volume of a hyperinflated lung compartment is reduced by sealing a distal end of the catheter in an airway feeding the lung compartment. Air passes out of the lung compartment through a passage in the catheter while the patient exhales. A one-way flow element associated with the catheter prevents air from re-entering the lung compartment as the patient inhales. Over time, the pressure of regions surrounding the lung compartment cause it to collapse as the volume of air diminishes. Residual volume reduction effectively results in functional lung volume expansion. Optionally, the lung compartment may be sealed in order to permanently prevent air from re-entering the lung compartment.

Abstract: A headgear assembly for attachment to a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient, includes a pair of side portions and a rear portion that interconnects the pair of side portions, each of the side portions including an upper side strap and a lower side strap, the rear portion including an upper strap, a lower strap, and intermediate connecting straps extending between the upper strap and the lower strap. The headgear assembly is designed and configured so as to be used with a plurality of different mask systems, and to accommodate for variations in the anthropometrics across a wide variety of patients.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask of the present invention includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. Additionally, the valve can be implemented with a diaphragm or with a flapper.

Abstract: A training device for treating snoring and apnea is creates positive pressure within a user's nasal passages during exhalation. Exhaling through a breathing tube inflates a primary inflation chamber and a secondary inflation chamber. The secondary inflation chamber is positioned in proximity to the user's nose while inflated, blocking the majority of any nasal exhalations and controlling nasal airflow and pressure.

Abstract: A low cost eccentric mass motor vibrotactile transducer provides a point-like vibrational stimulus to the body of a user in response to an electrical input. Preferably the eccentric mass and motor form part of the transducer actuator moving mass. The actuator moving mass is constrained into vertical motion by a spring between the actuator housing and moving mass. The actuator moving mass is in contact with a skin (body) load. The actuator housing is in simultaneous contact with the body load. The mass of the motor/contactor assembly, mass and area of the housing, and the compliance of the spring are chosen so that the electromechanical resonance of the motional masses, when loaded by the typical mechanical impedance of the skin (body), are in a frequency band where the human body is most sensitive to vibrational stimuli 150-300 Hz.

Abstract: A ventilator circuit for use in administering medication to a patient includes a housing, a one-way inhalation valve and a one-way exhalation valve. A metered does inhaler receptacle is in fluid flow communication with an interior space of the housing holding chamber. An exhaust conduit communicates between input and output passageways disposed on opposite sides of the interior space.

Abstract: A kit for assisting a disabled person in rehabilitation is disclosed herein. The kit includes a frame. The kit also includes at least one loop mounted on the frame. The loop defines a first opening. The kit also includes a flexible elongate member extending between first and second opposite ends. The flexible elongate member is selectively receivable in the at least one loop. The kit also includes first and second attachment members. The first and second attachment members can be connected at one of the first and second opposite ends of the flexible elongate member or at some point between the first and second opposite ends. Each of the first and second attachment members is operable to form an opening of variable size to receive and releasably tighten around a limb of the disabled person.

Abstract: A head frame apparatus is secured to a human head during maxillofacial surgery and includes devices to easily position and secure an endotracheal (breathing) tube and an anesthesia delivery circuit for the patient that reduces the likelihood that the flow of oxygen through the tube is restricted thereby reducing the risk of severe injury or death. The head frame apparatus also includes a removable reference indicator, which may be easily attached and removed while identifying a reference point of the patient's face. Also the reference indicator includes a universal joint and pointer with an attached ruler. A transport apparatus positions multiple preset reference indicators and allows for preoperative transportation and removal, while protecting the preset reference indicators from inadvertent adjustment. A bendable reference indicator used in an articulator for preoperative modeling allows for easily identifying reference points in a cast model.

Abstract: A vibrational frequency adjustment device comprises, as a vibrational frequency adjustment means (22): a first conversion means (40) which is provided with an input-side rotating member (41), an output-side rotating member (42), and a one-way clutch (44) for transmitting only the rotational motion in one direction of the input-side rotating member (41) to the output-side rotating member (42) and which, by causing the input-side rotating member (41) to pivot in a reciprocating manner by a set angle by means of the reciprocating linear motion of an output shaft (10), transmits only the forward motion or the reverse motion of the input-side rotating member (41) to the output-side rotating member (42) through the one-way clutch (44) to thereby rotate the output-side rotating member (42) by a given angle; and a second conversion means (50) which converts the rotational motion of the output-side rotating member (42) into the reciprocating linear motion of a second shaft member (43).

Abstract: A load distribution device that transfers the musculo-skeletal stress at a joint to associated body segments of a given joint-segments body structure. The device includes a proximal support element adapted to be positioned onto a proximal body segment, a distal support element adapted to be positioned onto a distal body segment, a compensating joint movably connecting the proximal and distal support elements, a control system operatively connected to the compensating joint and a power source supplying power to the control system and the compensating joint. During user executed movements, the compensating joint generates or dissipates, under the directions of the control system a preset level of biomechanical energy corresponding to a user desired musculo-skeletal stress reduction at the joint-segments structure in order to compensate the movements of the user, the biomechanical energy being redistributed onto the proximal and distal body segments via the corresponding proximal and distal support elements.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a ventilator to compensate for external gas flow reaching a patient from an external device, such as a nebulizer. A control unit of the ventilator monitors the gas flow rate from the ventilator and compares the gas flow rate from the ventilator to an expired gas flow rate from the patient. The difference between the inspired flow rate and the expired flow rate is due to the external device. The control unit modifies the operation of the ventilator to compensate for the external gas flow rate such that the flow of gas reaching the patient is maintained at a desired level.

Abstract: A CPAP device for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas for a patient includes a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas. The flow generator includes an air outlet and a removable water container configured to humidify the pressurized breathable gas received from the flow generator. The water container includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The CPAP device further includes a first elastomeric face seal configured to sealingly abut against a substantially flat portion of the water container surrounding the water container air inlet, the first elastomeric face seal being located at an intermediate position between the flow generator air outlet and the water container air inlet when the water container is placed into position to pneumatically communicate with the flow generator.

Abstract: An adaptor for delivering an aerosolized active agent to a patient with concomitant positive pressure ventilation includes an aerosol flow channel having an aerosol inlet port and a patient interface port, and defining an aerosol flow path from the aerosol inlet port to and through the patient interface port; and a ventilation gas flow channel in fluid communication with the aerosol flow channel and having a gas inlet port and a gas outlet port, and defining a ventilation gas flow path from the gas inlet port to and through the gas outlet port, wherein the ventilation gas flow path is at least partially offset from the aerosol flow path and at least partially encircles the aerosol flow path. Systems and methods for delivering an aerosolized active agent to a patient with concomitant positive pressure ventilation incorporate the adaptor.

Abstract: A positive airway pressure apparatus is automatically adjusting. Pressure increases in response to apnea events when the apparatus is in one or more responsive states. Pressure does not increase in response to apnea events when the apparatus is in a non-responsive state. The apparatus switches between responsive and nonresponsive states depending upon any of a number of different criteria that help differentiate between open airway apnea events and closed airway apnea events.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound-stimulating unit comprising a wound-stimulating device for use in combination with a vacuum assisted closure. The closure comprises a hydrophilic body to be placed on a wound surface, a cover sealing the hydrophilic body and a skin portion surrounding the wound surface, and a vacuum system for generating an underpressure in a closure space limited by the wound surface, the skin portion surrounding the wound surface and the cover. Further, the wound-stimulating device comprises a connector provided with an intermediate channel structure having an input section and multiple output sections, the device further comprising a pressure system for supplying wound stimulating agents to the input section of the intermediate channel structure.

Abstract: Face masks that can be used, for example, in medical and surgical procedures, including both completely or partially disposable and reusable masks, that can be custom fitted to the wearer, and which can include one or more filtering inhalation and exhalation valves and/or compartments allowing for separated filtering of inhalation and exhalation gases. Some embodiments include systems, methods and kits for reducing contaminants in an inhalation and exhalation flow stream.

Abstract: For use in premature babies and infants, in particular for administering surfactant to the lungs, the inhalation therapy device described herein comprises an aerosol generating device 1, a respiratory air flow generating means 3 and a nebulizing chamber 5 into which the generated liquid droplets 2 and the respiratory air flow 4 are supplied. The nebulizing chamber 5 comprises a tapering area 52 which ends in a tubular intubation means 6. The intubation means 6 is designed such that the intubation end 6b can be positioned in such a manner that the liquid droplet/respiratory air mixture conveyed via the intubation means is released behind those areas of the respiratory tract that filter out to a great extent the liquid droplets from the mixture.