Abstract: A filtration device including a fluid-impermeable housing having a gas inlet and outlet, and containing within the housing first filter media particles of an extended surface area substrate and containing at least one metal impregnant, and second filter media particles of an extended surface area zirconium hydroxide substrate. The device may be used in atmospheres containing various harmful gases, and may provide particularly useful improvements in NOx breakthrough times compared to a device containing only the first filter media particles or only the second filter media particles.

Abstract: A vent assembly includes at least one vent having a first end configured to face atmosphere and a second end opposite the first end, and a central portion provided between the first and second ends including a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional shape, wherein the second end includes a counter bore.

Abstract: A respiratory apparatus comprising a base and removable chamber, wherein the chamber is configured to hold a supply of water and include a blower arrangement adapted to provide a supply of pressurized air or gas to the supply of water. In certain embodiments the respiratory apparatus includes a split motor, wherein the stationary components are located within a base and the rotating portions are located within a chamber.

Abstract: Pressure support therapy is provided to a subject. The effectiveness of the provided pressure support therapy is determined and/or the therapy is titrated based on determinations of the concentration of one or more gaseous molecular species in gas exhaled by the subject. The determinations of composition of gas exhaled by the subject are obtained from samples with relatively little distortion caused by dilution of expired gases from gases provided to the airway of the subject as part of the pressure support therapy.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of alarm systems and methods for use in devices such as medical ventilators. Embodiments described provide for an apparatus of an interactive multilevel alarm system. Embodiments of the alarms also provide, at a glance, current alarm and device status information and historical alarm information to the operator. Embodiments also direct interaction with the alarming functions of the device by the operator. In some embodiments, additional visual indicators may be provided to identify non-normal or noteworthy operating conditions, such as the use of a therapeutic gas by a mechanical ventilator, so that the operator can assess the impact of that non-normal condition on any current and historical alarm information simultaneously provided.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly includes a rigid mask frame and a cushion. A clip secures the cushion to the frame.

Abstract: A fluid extraction or filtration device for removing fluid from a body, the device comprising an array of microneedles for contacting fluid in said body and an absorbent gel matrix in fluid communication with said array of microneedles. There is further provided a combined fluid extraction and sampling device and methods employing the device(s), for example in determining the level of a target species in a sample of fluid, transdermal dialysis and renal replacement therapy. There is further provided an absorbent gel matrix for use in the treatment of uraemia and a haemodialysis filter comprising an absorbent gel matrix. Use of such a matrix is described in the context of methods including haemodialysis, transdermal dialysis and gastrointestinal dialysis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming at least a portion of a mask (4) that is structured to engage at least a portion of the face of a patient (52). The method can be generally stated as including employing at least a portion of a data set (74) that is stored on a machine-readable storage medium (72) and that is representative of the shape of at least a portion of the face in generating a configuration for an cushion element (24) of the mask. The cushion element is structured to extend from a support (20) of the mask and to have an engagement end (50) bopposite the support that corresponds with the shape of the at least portion of the face. The method can be generally stated as further including subjecting a workpiece (78) to a formation operation to cause at least a portion of the workpiece to be formed into the cushion element having the engagement end.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising: a dose counter for indicating the number of doses that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed, said counter comprising: at least one rotary counter element provided with indicator means, such as digits or numbers, and provided with a first set of teeth and with a second set of teeth; a movable actuator element adapted to co-operate with said first set of teeth of said counter element so as to turn it; and anti-return means adapted to co-operate with said second set of teeth so as to prevent said counter element from turning in the direction opposite to the direction that is imposed by said actuator element; said anti-return means comprising a tip that is substantially V-shaped, and that, after each actuation of the counter, co-operates with a respective tooth of said second set of teeth in a blocking position, said tip comprising a first branch that is adapted to co-operate in the blocking position with a blocking shoulder of said tooth, and a second branch tha

Abstract: A compliance monitoring module for a breath-actuated inhaler comprising: a miniature pressure sensor, a sensor port of said sensor being pneumatically coupled to a flow channel through which a user can inhale; a processor configured to: receive a signal originating from a dosing mechanism of the inhaler indicating that medication has been released; receive data from a sensing element of the sensor; and based on said signal from said dosing mechanism and said data from said sensing element, make a determination that inhalation of a breath containing medication through said flow channel complies with one or more predetermined requirements for successful dosing; and a transmitter configured to, responsive to said determination, issue a dosing report.

Abstract: A compact continuous positive airway pressure apparatus and method provide a flatter profile and more compact thickness, including a larger lateral dimension in order to be accommodated in conventional luggage designed to stow laptop computers having a smaller aspect ratio of thickness to length or thickness to width. Air tubing may be coiled within a case or coiled as about a spool-like configuration in the base unit of the device.

Abstract: There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a device and a method for controlled extraction of at least one active substance from at least one type of plant matter by application of heat, the device comprising: a heating element adapted to apply heat to an area of the plant matter to extract the substance; and a mechanism adapted for moving the plant matter relative to the heating element. Optionally, the active substance is a restricted substance. There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of monitoring and controlling inhalation of a restricted substance. There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing a tape of plant matter comprising an active substance.

Abstract: An fluid sensor to activate and control various components of an inhalation device. The fluid sensor includes an acoustic element, such as a microphone, positioned within said inhalation device to detect fluid within the device and output signals representative of the frequency, direction and/or amplitude of the fluid. These signals control and activate an electrostatic plate and/or a high frequency vibrator.

Abstract: A cradle style cushion includes a central sealing body portion including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a bottom wall. The top wall includes a central sealing surface, a first stabilizing surface and a second stabilizing surface, the first and second stabilizing surfaces each extending upwardly and outwardly with respect to the central sealing surface and a top edge of the front wall and being structured to wrap around and engage an outside of the nostrils when the patient interface device is donned by the patient, wherein the first stabilizing surface includes a first front side edge portion and the second stabilizing surface includes a second front side edge portion, and wherein the top edge of the front wall, the first front side edge portion and the second front side edge portion together define a front opening of the central sealing body portion.

Abstract: An inhaler/puffer is provided. The inhaler/puffer may comprise a body, a cap, and a base, the cap and the base being configured to functionally engage the body. The body may define a chamber wherein minerals, such as salt, may be housed. The body, cap, and base may be configured to permit a user to inhale on the cap and draw air through the base into the chamber, over the minerals, through the cap and into the respiratory system of the user. Additionally, the inhaler/puffer may be placed in-line with an oxygen breathing system, such that as the breathing system provides oxygen to the user, the user also receives salt air treatment.

Abstract: Dispenser cap arrangements for enclosing a portion of a dispenser of a medicament are described herein.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a frame and a mask releasably engaged with the frame. The mask includes a body portion defining a mask internal space and a sealing portion structured to engage a patient's face. The body portion includes a plurality of outlet openings for gas washout.

Abstract: Novel nebulizers and methods are provided for a nebulizer including a dialable negative pressure threshold valve that actuates in response to different negative pressures corresponding to different negative pressure threshold settings of actuation of the valve to influence inhalation effort, aerosol entrainment, and aerosol delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensers, in particular to dispensers for dispensing a dose of a gaseous, gas borne or droplet substance from a substance source and dispensers comprising dosage counters. The present invention therefore provides a dispenser for dispensing a dose of a gaseous, gas borne or droplet substance from a substance source, the dispenser comprising: a body (1) for receiving a substance source, the body having a mouthpiece (2); a junction member (41) slideably arranged in the body for movement in a longitudinal axis of the body to release a dose of a substance from a substance source (C), the junction member receiving a spout (S) of a substance source in a socket (43); and a dispenser driver for moving the junction member in the longitudinal axis of the body to release a dose of a substance from a substance source.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a device is disclosed. The device includes a nasal cannula having prongs to supply air and covers inserted over the prongs to prevent discomfort during use of the nasal cannula.