Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods are effective in treating snoring behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed treatment apparatus include a mouthpiece, a first chamber in communication with the mouthpiece, and a displaceable member mounted with respect to the first chamber for applying a resistive force as gas is withdrawn from the first chamber. A second, substantially airtight chamber is generally defined on the opposite side of the displaceable member. The evacuation force required to deflect, deform or otherwise is increased due to the force required to displace the displaceable member positioned within the disclosed treatment apparatus. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, the displaceable member may take the form of a flexible membrane, piston or diaphragm that is mounted with respect to the inner wall of the first chamber or the second chamber. Use of the treatment apparatus is effective in reducing and/or eliminating snoring behavior for extended periods.

Abstract: Breathing apparatus for medicating an airstream, compring a breathing apparatus (139), a medication chamber (138) adapted to store and discharge a therapeutic agent, a delivery pathway (141) between the chamber (138) and an intake air pathway and releasing means (145) for selectively discharging the therapeutic agent from the chamber (138) into the intake air pathway. The apparatus is particularly suited for scuba diving, snorkels, gas masks and filters. The invention is suitable for asthma sufferers but also extends to other respiratory diseases. Also claimed are a medication chamber for use in medicating an airstream and a method of medicating an airstream.

Abstract: A method of coupling the upper and lower section of a humidifier container used to humidify oxygen gas, using magnetic coupling means. A series of corresponding magnets around the container, located externally to the device or internally, secure the lower part or vessel to the upper part or cap. Using magnets opposing an attracted metal may he used in lieu of corresponding magnet to magnet attraction which requires the poles of the magnets be oriented with their poles to attract each other.

Abstract: A flashlight for dispensing a substance from an aerosol canister, the flashlight including an elongated housing having a front end, a rear end, and a central longitudinal axis, the aerosol canister being slidably received within the housing. At least one light emitting diode disposed approximate the front end of the housing and an elongated spray tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the aerosol canister and the spray tube extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis such that the distal end extends beyond the front end of the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a medicine to a patient via the patient's respiratory system with control and efficiency. A nebulization catheter is positioned in the patient's respiratory system so that a distal end of the nebulization catheter is in the respiratory system and a proximal end is outside the body. In a first aspect, the nebulization catheter may be used in conjunction with an endotracheal tube and preferably is removable from the endotracheal tube. The nebulization catheter conveys medicine in liquid form to the distal end at which location the medicine is nebulized by a pressurized gas or other nebulizing mechanism. The nebulized medicine is conveyed to the patient's lungs by the patient's respiration which may be assisted by a ventilator. By producing the aerosol of the liquid medicine at a location inside the patient's respiratory system, the nebulizing catheter provides for increased efficiency and control of the dosage of medicine being delivered.

Abstract: An aerosol generation device comprising an oscillatable membrane (1) for the nebulization of a liquid, having a first curved region (11), and an oscillation generating device (2, 3) by which the membrane can be caused to oscillate such that a liquid disposed on one side of the membrane is nebulized through the oscillating membrane and is present on the other side of the membrane as an aerosol. The membrane has at least a second region (12) which is surrounded by the first region (11). The first region (11) and the second region (12) have different curvatures (1/r1, 1/r2).

Abstract: An inhaler comprising a compressed gas, such as Heliox gas is provided. The disclosed inhaler includes a first chamber containing a compressed gas which is in communication with an equalization chamber having pressure lower than the pressure of the gas in the first chamber. The inhaler also includes a drug storage chamber which is detachably coupled to the equalization chamber and operable such that a portion of the compressed gas from the equalization chamber fluidizes and aerosolizes the drug to produce a drug cloud. The drug cloud is directed into a spacer where it can be inhaled by a user.

Abstract: An inhaler operable to control a temperature of a medicament of the inhaler includes a medicament reservoir being configured to store a medicament therein. A medicament ejector is operably coupled to the medicament reservoir and is configured to eject the medicament from the reservoir to deliver the medicament to a patient. A controllable thermal source is in thermal communication with at least an inside portion of the medicament reservoir and is operable to controllably affect a temperature of the medicament. A thermal control system is in operable communication with the controllable thermal source and is configured to control the thermal source to maintain the medicament within a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: The aerosol generator of an inhalation therapy device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention continuously produces an aerosol at a generation rate of about 0.2 ml/min to about 1.5 ml/min, preferably 0.4 ml/min to about 1.2 ml/min and the mixing chamber has a volume of about 60 ml to about 150 ml, preferably about 80 ml to about 120 ml, and even more preferably about 90 to about 110 ml. While the patient inhales through the inhalation therapy device, the generated aerosol is inhaled by the patient. While the patient exhales into the inhalation therapy device, the generated aerosol is collected in the mixing chamber. Due to the specific size of the mixing chamber, the continuously generated aerosol can accumulate therein without losses even when the exhalation phase is longer than the inhalation phase like in the case of emphysema.

Abstract: The concentration of xenon, in a medical gas mixture of xenon as an active component with a known composition of oxygen and, optionally, nitrogen and/or helium recirculating through a medical device (103) in which carbon dioxide is introduced into the mixture, is monitored by removal (135, 133) of carbon dioxide downstream of the medical device (103) and subsequently passing the carbon dioxide-free gas through an ultrasonic gas analyser (143) upstream of the medical device. The gas analyzer determines the xenon concentration by measuring the time delay between transmission of an ultrahigh frequency ultrasonic pulse of at least 100 kHz axially through the sample chamber from a location at one end thereof and reflection of said pulse axially from the other end of the sample chamber back to said location. An analyser of novel construction is disclosed.

Abstract: An interface mechanism is provided that removably unites a carbon dioxide absorption canister with a patient breathing circuit on a ventilator. The interface mechanism includes a cradle that is moveably positioned between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the canister is coupled to the cradle and the cradle is positioned such that the canister is in fluid communication with the breathing circuit. In the second position, the canister is removable from the cradle and the cradle extends at an angle from the patient breathing circuit. The interface mechanism advantageously provides visual indication when the canister is removed and the breathing circuit is operating as a closed loop system, without CO2 filtration. The mechanism also facilitates efficient and accurate fluid connection between the carbon dioxide absorption canister and the breathing circuit.

Abstract: A portable device for delivering inhalable vapors comprises a portable hand-held refillable vaporization chamber with an inlet for outside air and an outlet for inhaling vapors. The chamber can be heated by a small heat source, such as a cigarette lighter, so that the contents become vaporized almost instantly. Optionally, the chamber is connected to a storage reservoir.

Abstract: A fluid flow indication apparatus is provided for monitoring and giving an indication of fluid flow.

Abstract: A feed system for an aerosolizer utilizes an ampoule containing a liquid and includes a housing having an ampoule region into which the ampoule is held, and a liquid receiving region that is adapted to receive liquid dispensed from the ampoule. An interface is used to couple the liquid receiving region to an aerosol generator, whereby liquid from the liquid receiving region is permitted to flow to the aerosol generator for aerosolization.

Abstract: An improved nebulizer breathing system wherein a supplemental gas may be introduced into the nebulizer head at a position after the liquefied medication has been fractured or nebulized, so that the introduction of the supplemental gas does not effect the rate at which the nebulized liquefied medication is applied to the user, and the mixture of gases to be administered to a patient is added to the breathing system at a position removed from the point at which the gas mixture is administered to the patient.

Abstract: A fluid-dispenser dose counter including two superposed count disks (10, 20). The first disk (10) may be a units disk, and the second disk (20) may be a tens and/or hundreds disk. Each disk (10, 20) is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (23, 33), the axes of rotation (23, 33) being parallel to and offset from each other. The counter also includes a cover (30). The cover (30) may define the axis of rotation (33) of the first disk (10) and the axis of rotation (23) of the second disk (20).

Abstract: A supply of gas such as oxygen is provided to a person in need of such gas supply. The delivery system includes an alarm to alert the recipient of the gas or another when and if the gas supply is disrupted. The alarm system preferably includes a reset and on-off switch that is recessed sufficiently to prevent accidental disabling of the alarm system.

Abstract: A refillable medical device comprising a base unit (4) adapted to be engaged with a refill unit (2), the device comprising means for counting the number of different refill units which are engaged with the base unit (4). The device may be in the form of a dry powder or pressurised aerosol inhaler, needleless injector, intravenous drip system etc. The device may comprise means to disable the device after a predetermined number of refill units have been used with the base.

Abstract: A blister pack for use with inhalation therapy inhalers comprises an elongate bottom element having an overlying top element defining a plurality of spaced top crowned areas containing powder or liquid medications or drugs.

Abstract: A flashlight for dispensing a substance from an aerosol canister, the flashlight including an elongated housing having a front end, a rear end, and a central longitudinal axis, the aerosol canister being slidably received and fixedly positionable within the housing. At least one light emitting diode disposed approximate the front end of the housing and an elongated spray tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the aerosol canister and the spray tube extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis such that the distal end extends beyond the front end of the housing.

Abstract: A housing for a sensor to prevent condensate from collecting in the sensor. The housing includes a deflector to channel condensate forming in the housing away from the sensor. A notch is provided at the base of the sensor to ensure any condensate forming on the sensor itself does not collect at the sensor base. Further the interior of the housing is roughened and treated with an antifogging agent to ensure any condensate falls continuously so droplets do not form.

Abstract: A nebulizer having a supplemental gas inlet port carried by the nebulizer head at a position removed from the nebulizer chamber so that the supplemental gas introduced does not entrain the liquid medicant effecting the rate of medication application to a user.

Abstract: A cool air inhaler for use in treating croup, having a body having at least one side wall and a bottom wall forming an enclosed space open at an upper portion of the body wherein the upper portion of the body is adapted to generally conform to contours of a lower part of a patient face. An air chamber is formed in an upper part of the body and has an exhaust vent for exhausting the patient's exhaled air to an exterior space while an ice reservoir is formed in a lower part of the body to contain ice and meltwater from the ice and an air passage is connected from the exterior space and passing through the ice reservoir to conduct air to the air chamber.

Abstract: For meteredly dispensing a liquid over a period of several months from a container which can be stored over a long period of time, the need is for a container which is practically diffusion-tight and in which the liquid does not come into contact with the ambient atmosphere. The cartridge according to the invention is a three-shell container comprising a collapsible bag which contains the liquid, a container which is stable in respect of shape and a stiff metal casing. The cartridge can be releasably connected to a dispensing device. The cartridge can be provided with a micro-opening with which the time for pressure equalisation between the cartridge and the ambient atmosphere can be adjusted. The cartridge is suitable for aqueous and for alcoholic liquids which contain a pharmacologically active substance. The liquid in the cartridge is protected from external influences. The cartridge can be used in an atomiser for producing an inhalable aerosol for the treatment of illnesses.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering anaesthetic to human or animal patients. The apparatus is an anaesthetic machine which is arranged to mount components of an anaesthetic delivery circuit, and which includes a collector arrangement in the form of a manifold having a plurality of inlets and outlets. The manifold enables a reduction in the number of tubes connecting the various components in an anaesthetic system, which are normally required in prior art anaesthetic machines. The manifold also includes an arrangement which provides a Venturi effect on gas flow, and enables a pressure gauge to be mounted out of a patient breathing circuit. The machine is preferably portable.

Abstract: A pneumatic nebulizer for the delivery of medications that produces aerosol mist in a downward direction. A gas inlet introduces a high velocity gas that passes through a venturi orifice producing a venture effect. A liquid stored in a reservoir is drawn into the orifice, atomizing forming droplets. The droplets are further atomized by hitting a baffle. The mist formed substantially circumscribes the baffle.

Abstract: A portable air temperature controlling device useful for warming air surrounding an aerosolized drug formulation is described. Warming the air of an aerosol makes it possible to reduce the size of aerosol particles produced by an aerosol generation device. Additionally, warming the air forces the size of the aerosol particles to be in the range required for systemic drug delivery independent of ambient conditions. Smaller particles can be more precisely targeted to different areas of the respiratory tract.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a device for decreasing intracranial or intraocular pressures. The device comprises a housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening that is adapted to be interfaced with a person's airway. The device further includes a valve system that is operable to regulate respiratory gas flows through the housing and into the person's lungs during spontaneous or artificial inspiration. The valve system assists in lowering intrathoracic pressures during each inspiration to repetitively lower pressures in the venous blood vessels that transport blood out of the head to thereby reduce intracranial or intraocular pressures.

Abstract: An air filtration system includes a light weight container which stores a quantity of water for filtering contaminants from inhaled air. A coupling assembly is used to connect the container to a flexible hose for delivery of the filtered air to the dust mask worn by the user. The coupling assembly allows a user to interchange one light weight container with another in a quick and convenient manner if one container becomes saturated with contaminants. A user simply pulls downward on the slidable jacket to release the industrial plug and allowing the attachment of another container to the hose via the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A storage and delivery system for directly applying nitric oxide to a user includes a portable and disposable capsule and a source of nitric oxide gas disposed within the cavity. Gas flow control apparatus controls the flow of nitric oxide gas from the cavity. Gas flow initiation apparatus allows the user to initiate the flow of nitric oxide gas. The encapsulated nitric oxide gas is applied by positioning the capsule proximate to the objective site of the user and initiating flow of the nitric oxide gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a propellant-gas-free apparatus for the dispensing of liquids, a container cartridge suitable for this for storing the liquid and the ensemble comprising both. The invention comprises a device for the exertion of pressure and for accommodating a container cartridge and a container cartridge in which the dispensing facility is integrated.

Abstract: A drug dispenser (1) has a hollow body (2) with a housing (6) for a pressurised can (7) containing a drug and its propellant arranged on top of the body. The can has an outlet stem (8) received in a socket (9) in an internal spigot (10). This has a junction with a flexible tube (11), leading to a kink valve pair (12, 14). The tube continues on to a second internal spigot (15), having a spray nozzle (16) just within a breathing opening (5). The kink valve pair (12, 14) is formed as a moulding of the tube, with side wings (17). Towards the ends of the wings, they have thinner portions (17.1) at which there are apertures (18) immediately adjacent the tube. The arrangement, which is similar to that in my International Application No. PCT/GB01/03313, defines positions at which the tube kinks to close its through bore (19). The thinner portions are provided in two positions, which provide the two kink valves. An intermediate section (20) of the tube, with a predetermined volume is provided between the kink valves.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising a fluid reservoir (10), and a dispensing member (20), such as a metering valve, fitted to said reservoir (10), said reservoir (10) and said valve (20) being assembled into a body (30) incorporating a dispensing orifice (31), said device being characterized in that it includes an adjustment element (40) disposed between the reservoir (10) and the body (30), said adjustment element (40) being provided with adapter means (45) that are movable and/or deformable and that co-operate with the body (30) and/or with the reservoir (10) while the reservoir (10) is being assembled into the body (30), thereby compensating for the manufacturing tolerances of said body (30) and/or of said reservoir and/or said dispensing member (20).

Abstract: A hand-held compressor nebulizer suitable for vaporizing liquid medication, comprising a casing and a motor-driven air pump. The nebulizer includes a liquid medication supply unit and a vaporizing unit. The vaporizing unit comprises upper and lower vaporizing chambers, the lower chamber including a reservoir for liquid medication from the liquid medication supply unit. The vaporizing unit includes a hollow conical member located within the lower chamber and defining an internal conical passage having a relatively smaller upper end and a relatively larger lower end, the lower end being in communication with the air pump for receiving an upward airflow produced by the air pump. The airflow increases in speed in the upward direction and creates a negative pressure upon exit from the upper end of the conical passage. The vaporizing unit further includes a vaporizing jacket having a tapered interior and disposed around the conical member to form a narrow gap with the conical member.

Abstract: An aerosolization device comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet and an airway extending from the inlet to the outlet. A valve in the airway comprises a piezoelectric element which controls the valve, and a reservoir in communication with the airway is adapted to contain a pharmaceutical formulation so that the pharmaceutical formulation may be introduced into the airway and passed through the outlet in an aerosolized form. The piezoelectric element may alternatively or additionally be used to sense a condition in the aerosolization device.

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 breathing aid device is disclosed which includes an air stream source, a mouthpiece that is received in the mouth of a user, a conduit interconnecting the air stream source and the mouthpiece, and a water source that introduces water into the air stream, where liquid water droplets are periodically sprayed through the mouthpiece and into the mouth of a user by the air stream. A method of relieving parched breathing passages is also disclosed, which involves providing a mouthpiece connected to an air stream, periodically spraying liquid water droplets, carried by said air stream, through said mouthpiece into the mouth of the user.

Abstract: A tracheal tube ventilation apparatus to more effectively remove expired gases. In one preferred embodiment, one or more leak holes are created in the side walls of an endotracheal tube so that expired gases can leak out of the endotracheal tube above the larynx, such as into the back of the mouth (i.e., oropharynx). Each leak hole might advantageously have a diameter between 0.5 and 4.0 mm. In another preferred embodiment, a tube is attached to a proportionately larger leak hole (e.g., up to 8.0 mm) so that the expired gases can be directed away from the leak hole to a specific location, such as directed out of the mouth. In the case of mechanically controlled ventilation, a positive end expiratory pressure can be applied to this tube to mechanically assist with the process of exhaling. In each of these embodiments, it is preferred, but not required, that the endotracheal tube be an ultra-thin walled, two stage tube so as to further assist in the reduction of resistance to the flow of oxygen/air.

Abstract: The subject matter relates to an overcap (10) containing a desiccant (30) for use with a metered dose inhaler (12) to adsorb moisture. The overcap advantageously reduces the amount and rate of moisture ingress into the metered dose inhaler. The operation of metered dose inhalers containing agroscopic drug particles is improved by reducing moisture ingress.

Abstract: A child-sized adaptor for a DPI or MDI is provided. Also provided is a patient feedback mechanism for signaling and/or teaching proper inhaler use.

Abstract: The aerosol inhalation device is manually operated and comprises a holding part (3) for receiving an aerosol container with a valve and an outlet tip, and an inspiratory part (1), which at one end comprises a mouthpiece (2), in which inspiratory part (1) a member (4) for passage of aerosol is provided for receiving the outlet end of the aerosol container and comprising a conduit (5) with an outlet opening for discharging aerosol into the inspiratory part in the direction towards the mouthpiece (2). At the end opposite the mouthpiece (2) the inspiratory part (1) is open towards the surroundings such that air may pass freely from the surroundings past the member (4) for passage of aerosol and out through the mouthpiece (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a library of program data for medical pumps, the apparatus comprising: memory loaded with a database, the database including a plurality of program data records and a plurality of data key records, each program data record containing a set of program data items, at least some of the program data items included in the database for controlling operation of a medical pump, each data key record containing a data key and each data key identifying one of the data program records; a database management system programmed to link a data key to a set of program data; and a scanner in data communication with the database management system, the database management system being further programmed to receive a code scanned by the scanner, save the code in a data key record, and link the code to a set of program data, the code being a data key.

Abstract: A respiratory function monitoring device comprising a flow sensor and a conversion device is herein disclosed. Also disclosed are structures for carrying out an auto-zero calibration, a purging function, and temperature compensation. Methods for implementing the auto-zero calibration, the purge function, and the temperature compensation are also disclosed.