Abstract: A respirator speech transmitter and exhalation valve module comprising a resilient exhalation valve having a low airflow resistance for exhalation but providing a secure seal against inadvertent inhalation through the exhalation valve module. An exhalation airflow channel is formed between a module body on the outside of the channel and a conical airflow guide and the exhalation valve on the inside of the channel. The exhalation airflow channel is in the form of an amplification horn. The airflow channel produces a smooth airflow for unrestricted exhalation and high intelligibility of a user's speech. The module includes a drinking conduit for selectively fluidly connecting a mouthpiece in the respirator to a beverage container and further includes an electrical communication block with internal and external fittings for connecting a microphone in the mask to a radio or amplifier carried by the mask user.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a lid cover for an oxygen mask dispensing container. The device includes a stationary plate having a cover that is adjustable relative to the plate by means of a spring such that an outermost lid cover is capable of easily mating with the opening in the interior lining of an aircraft. The lid is spring-biased toward the plate such that when the plate is attached to the oxygen mask dispensing container body, the lid is automatically pulled into position relative to the opening in the interior lining of the aircraft.

Abstract: In a respirator mask in which the visor panels can be covered by light-absorbing supplementary panels, first and second snap-in hooks are molded onto opposite sides of the visor panel and a stop is molded onto a corner section to form a guide pocket. The outer contour lines and the convexity of the visor panel and the supplementary panel are identical. To attach the flexurally elastic supplementary panel, it is first fastened in the guide pocket and on the first snap-in hook. Then the opposite side is locked into the second snap-in hook after flexing the supplementary panel.

Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.

Abstract: A nasal mask assembly for preferred use in CPAP treatment. The mask assembly comprises a central body, a face cushion, a forehead support and a gas inlet. The gas inlet is rotatably connected to the central body, and the forehead support is pivotally connected to the central body. A method of using such a mask is also provided.

Abstract: An inhaler device comprises an inhaler body defining a recess for a capsule holding herein a substance to be inhaled, and a nosepiece communicating with the capsule, and a perforating element coupled to the inhaler body and provided for perforating the capsule for allowing an outside air flow to be mixed with the capsule contents and inhaled through the nosepiece.

Abstract: The need for the delivery of insulin by injection can be reduced or eliminated by delivering aerosolized insulin. Repeatability of dosing is obtainable by using either regular insulin or monomeric insulin. When delivering insulin (not monomeric) by inhalation, the total inhaled volume should be about the same at each delivery to obtain repeatable results. The patient can be coached (by teaching) to inhale a given amount of air and can also be coached (by teaching) to inhale at a given flow rate. Further, the rate at which blood glucose is lowered is increased by the use of monomeric insulin. Particles of insulin and monomeric insulin delivered to the surface of lung tissue will be absorbed into the circulatory system. A dry powder or a liquid insulin formulation is delivered to the patient from a mechanical or electronic hand-held, self-contained device.

Abstract: A swivel exhaust conduit for rotatably connecting a patient mask to the delivery conduit of a positive pressure air supply. The swivel exhaust conduit design provides an exhaust port that utilizes the rotating bearing of the swivel conduit's rotating two-piece design for permitting and directing exhaust of CO2 laden air. A baffle chamber formed in the clearance of the two pieces provides an area where noise is reduced. As CO2 laden exhaust exits the swivel exhaust conduit, it is directed away from the patient mask and down the outside of the delivery conduit via a slit pattern on the swivel conduit.

Abstract: A self-contained open-circuit breathing apparatus for use within a body of water naturally containing dissolved air. The apparatus is adapted to provide breathable air to a diver. The apparatus comprises an inlet means for extracting a quantity of water from the body of water. It further comprises a separator for separating the dissolved air from the quantity of water, thereby obtaining the breathable air. The apparatus further comprises a first outlet means for expelling the separated water back into the body of water, and a second outlet means for removing the breathable air and supplying it for breathing. The air is supplied so as to enable all of it to be expelled back into the body of water after it has been breathed.

Abstract: The full face flexible oxygen mask for use with flight helmets includes an elastic face seal with an oronasal cone that seals around the nose and mouth of the wearer, and flexible sealing flaps along the perimeter of the face seal to adapt the face piece of the mask to seal against the surface of a flight helmet. The mask face piece has two large sealing surfaces or channels down each side of the mask that overlap and flex to adapt to seal to a variety of flight helmets. The top of the face seal has an inner and outer flap that work together to seal the exposed face visible between the sides of the flight helmet.

Abstract: A powder delivery device for the delivery into a patient's nasal cavity of a physiologically active agent in powdered form. A closure restricts the unwanted ingress of moisture into the device when the device is not in use. The action of opening or closing this closure may be linked to charging an air reservoir with air and/or moving a fresh powder-containing receptacle into communication with a powder delivery passage.

Abstract: An endotracheal device includes a unit with a pair of tubes and a beveled distal end. One tube is used for jet ventilation, while a monitoring catheter is provided inside the second, larger tube. The device is useful for otherwise difficult intubations.

Abstract: A reversibly operable motor is mechanically connected to automatically position the piston of an air syringe that is pneumatically connected to the inflatable/deflatable seal ring or cuff of a laryngeal mask airway device (LMA) that is installed in a patient, who is being ventilated and/or anaesthetized via the airway of the LMA device. Air pressure in the cuff corrected as necessary to conform to a predetermined pressure level. The system continuously monitors for abnormal patterns of response, with audibly and visually reported warnings to the anaesthetist; these warnings include system detection of a patient's incipient sign of premature awareness while still under surgery, system detection and warning of a system or LMA malfunction, and continual microprocessor survey and integration of historical data to determine decremental recovery from administered anaesthesia.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring airflow through nares. One exemplary embodiment comprises: measuring an attribute of an airflow through a first naris; measuring an attribute of an airflow through a second naris; wherein measuring the attribute of the airflow through the first naris is accomplished without blocking the second naris; and wherein measuring the attribute of the airflow through the second naris is accomplished without blocking the first naris.

Abstract: A medicament delivery system comprises a nebulizer device, an open-faced mist chamber-defining element having a tubular input/output port, a tubular inhalation port connecting to the output port of the mist chamber-defining element, and a sealed unit dose ampoule adapted to fit within the mist chamber-defining element. The nebulizer device includes an ultrasonic transducer responsive to applied electrical energy to generate ultrasonic energy, an ultrasonic transmission horn between an input energy surface at an input end and an energy delivery surface at an output end. The sealed unit dose ampoule can be placed directly into the nebulizer device and acts as both the dose cup and baffle, so that the chance of spillage of drug and the number of components to be cleaned are minimized.

Abstract: A reducing valve, which includes a water trap, especially useful in diving.

Abstract: The invention describes an inhalation or breathing mask for therapeutic nebulisers, in which around a connecting socket 4 for the therapeutic nebuliser is arranged an exhalation valve consisting of exhalation openings and a flexible valve element. The exhalation openings 7 are formed by exhalation channels 8 and can be closed individually by closure devices, for example stoppers, in order to set a predefined exhalation resistance.

Abstract: A pulmonary decompression device may be utilized to remove trapped air in the lung or lungs, thereby reducing the volume of diseased lung tissue. A lung reduction device may passively decompress the lung or lungs. In order for the system to be effective, an airtight seal between the parietal and visceral pleurae is required. Chemical pleurodesis is utilized for creating the seal.

Abstract: An inhaler for inhaling powdered medicament from capsules is described. Once the capsule has been placed in the capsule holder (3), the patient can press an actuating member (8), which interacts with at least one pin (9) adapted to be pushed into the capsule holder (3), causing the medicament to be released. In a preferred embodiment, the actuating member (8) is constructed as a multi-functional actuating member (8a) wherein, in a first functional position, the closure element (6) can be disengaged from the lower part (1) in order to pivot the cover (5), and wherein, in a second functional position, the mouthpiece (4) engaging with the plate (2) can be released from the plate (2) in such a way that the mouthpiece (4) can be pivoted away from the lower part (1).

Abstract: The invention provides an improved ventilation method and method for controlling a ventilator apparatus in accordance with same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of controlling a ventilator apparatus comprising the steps of placing a ventilator in a mode capable of adjusting airway pressure (P) and time (T), monitoring expiratory gas flow, analyzing the expiratory gas flow over time (T) to establish an expiratory gas flow pattern, and setting and/or adjusting a low time (T2) based on the expiratory gas flow pattern. Alternatively, the present invention relates to a method of controlling a ventilator apparatus comprising the steps of placing a ventilator in a mode capable of adjusting airway pressure (P) and time (T), and setting a low airway pressure (P2) of substantially zero cmH2O.