Abstract: A breathing aid for enabling a person buried by an avalanche to breathe has a housing which includes an inhalation channel having a valve situated in the housing, which automatically opens during inhalation and automatically closes during exhalation, and an exhalation channel having a valve situated in the housing, which automatically closes during inhalation and automatically opens during exhalation, wherein the inhalation channel and the exhalation channel open into a mouthpiece situated on the housing, and the housing includes at least one inhalation opening into which the inhalation channel opens, wherein the housing is designed as a handle which can be gripped by a user's hand and brought to the mouth.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus for providing breathable air in emergency situations is disclosed. The breathing apparatus comprises a cylinder containing a supply of breathable air therein; a manifold adapted to be removably coupled to the cylinder; a release valve provided internally within the cylinder such that the release valve, when depressed, causes the cylinder to release the breathable air into the manifold; a lever arranged on the manifold and coupled with the release valve such that pressing of the lever causes depression of the release valve; a safety pin arranged with the manifold such that the safety pin, in a preset position, prevents pressing of the lever, wherein the safety pin needs to be moved from the preset position to allow pressing of the lever; and a mouthpiece disposed in fluid communication with the manifold to receive the breathable air therefrom.

Abstract: A strapless CPAP mask system is disclosed. The system includes a CPAP mask, a retainer attached to the CPAP mask, an oral appliance including a stem, and a connector that connects the stem of the oral appliance to the retainer, thus releasably securing the oral appliance to the CPAP mask without the use of straps.

Abstract: A device, for performing certain ancient yogic breathing practices of Pranayam without involving the use of hands, is controlled by a programmable controlling unit. The device is integrated onto the frame of a supporting base, worn on the nose, and uses battery-operated artificial fingers to block or unblock nostrils in programmable patterns, cycles and durations. This facilitates a precise and hands-free routine of alternate nostril breathing or single nostril breathing, in the most precise style, following techniques of ancient yogic Pranayam. The sensors of the device sense/measure the force and flow of the breath into and out of each nostril, and can automate and synchronize the artificial fingers to the normal breathing pattern of the user.

Abstract: A one-way valve for use in the inhalation and/or exhalation flowpath of respiratory protection equipment comprises a housing 1 defining a conduit and a circumferential array of three flexible flaps 2 each extending inwards from the conduit wall and in the direction away from the inlet end I of the valve. Under a pressure differential in the opening direction of the valve each flap is adapted to flex outwards towards the conduit wall and under a reverse pressure differential the free edge 5,5 of each flap is adapted to press in sealing contact with respective portions of the free edges of the neighboring flaps.

Abstract: A surgical sheath for use in endoscopic trans-nasal or intra-ocular surgery has first and second attachment fittings on opposite side of a conical section used for attaching individual sheaths to form a sheath pair. The sheaths of the pair can mutually support each other during surgery, to better resist inadvertent displacement of the sheaths. After the sheaths are positioned, the conical sections of the sheaths may be attached together using clips, pins, belts or other techniques. The sheaths reduce collateral trauma to the tissues in the surgical pathway.

Abstract: An patient interface that reliably maintains a seal between it and the patient. The patient interface advantageously includes a deformation portion at its point of connection with an air supply, with the deformation portion being relatively more deformable than the other portions of the patient interface in order to resist torque applied by the air supply from disturbing the seal between the patient interface and the patient. While the air supply is pivotably connected with the patient interface and is pivotable about a pivot axis, a torque applied about an axis other than the pivot axis results in deformation of the deformation portion and thus advantageously avoids breaking the seal between the patient interface and the patient.

Abstract: Therapeutic delivery systems are provided which, in a first embodiment, contain a plurality of multiphase capsules in which first and second therapeutic agents are contained in separate phases within said multiphase capsules, and are disposed to deliver said first and therapeutic agents by at least two different delivery mechanisms.

Abstract: The adjustable mouth shield device provides an adjustably fitted mouth shield with adjustable headband for secure fit. The adjustable headband is fastened to the padded earpiece. The straight first extension from the earpiece is angled downwardly and forwardly to terminate in a swivel joint providing almost 360 degrees of swivel. The second extension is arced both downwardly and forwardly. The u-shaped mouthpiece is fitted to the adjustable spring mount for horizontal pivot of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may, by virtue of the swivel joint and the spring mount, be moved completely away from a user's mouth and, in turn, pivoted and swiveled to be directly in front of the user's mouth. The inward curves at the distal end of the mouthpiece aid in sliding on the disposable pads that shield a user from objects, foods and other materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passage of a domestic animal. The nasal support device (NSD) disclosed herein is useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. The NSD secures to the nose of a domestic animal to support the unsupported lateral vestibular walls of the nasal passages by lifting or stenting.

Abstract: The invention regards a therapeutic aerosol device in which a main aerosol flow, which is generated with the help of a compressed gas and is supplied to one of the nostrils of a user, is superimposed by pressure fluctuations. The superimposition of the pressure fluctuations occurs directly at one of the two nostrils of the user. A flow resistance is provided in the other nostril.

Abstract: A therapeutic aerosol device in which an aerosol generated by a nebulising device is supplied through a nosepiece to a patient's nostril so that the main aerosol flow supplied is able to emerge from the other nostril. The main aerosol flow is superimposed by pressure fluctuations. In order to guarantee that, due to the pressure fluctuation, aerosol is transported to the paranasal sinuses, a low resistance device is provided in the other nostril.

Abstract: A dual function nose clip assembly is provided for use by a person changing another person's diaper. The assembly includes a nose clip with opposite pads for pinching the diaper changer's nostrils closed and an ornamental or whimsical cover. The nose clip assembly minimizes or eliminates smelling of diaper odors by the diaper changer while simultaneously entertaining or distracting the diaper wearer while the diaper is being changed. A cover or ornamental piece disguises the nose clip and may substantially hide the nose clip from view by the diaper wearer. The natural or spring biased nose clip is maintained on the diaper changer's nose without the use of straps or elastic bands extending around their head.

Abstract: Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from “pursed-lip” breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable nasal cavity dilator is provided that enables a user to selectively dilate a single nasal passageway in order to achieve a desired flow of air therethrough. In an exemplary embodiment, the nasal cavity dilator comprises an elongate foundation strip and a dilation adjustment band. An adhesive material secures the nasal cavity dilator to the external tissue of a user's face, on the side of the nasal cavity, and on the adjacent cheek. A fastener secures the dilation adjustment band to maintain the force that keeps the nasal cavity in the dilated state. In another embodiment, an attachment is coupled to the foundation strip in order to slidingly engage the dilation adjustment band so that it reverses direction before the force is applied. A free end of the band is then fastened to either the foundation strip or the dilation adjustment band.

Abstract: A respirator includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a separator that separates the first chamber and the second chamber. A filtration system includes an inhale valve that only allows air to enter the respirator and an exhale valve that only allows air to exit the respirator. The system can be reversed so that the inhale valve and exhale valve may be positioned on either the first or second chamber. A replaceable filter can be provided that includes a supply canister including a supply of filter material, a take-up canister that receives used filter material, and a path between the supply canister and the take-up canister that guides the filter material across the respirator's inhale valve, exhale valve, or both the inhale and exhale valves.

Abstract: Methods, devices and kits for treating bruxism while sleeping. The nostrils of a nose of a patient are blocked, thereby preventing the patient from breathing through the nostrils. The patient is then allowed to sleep, while the nostrils remain blocked, whereby the patient is forced to breathe through the mouth.

Abstract: Provides an emergency air supply system that is worn around the arm, presumably the wrist, and intended for use in air restrictive emergency conditions. Primarily it has been designed for the need to improve safety for water recreation or water sports where an individual is often caught gasping for air. This device is purposely designed to be no more obtrusive than a piece of clothing, such as a bathing suit, or a watch band would be, in order that it does not unduly restrict the water activity or water sport or any other potentially air restrictive activity you may engage in. The design is intended to encourage usage and increase safety, by way of its structural design that uses the strap-band itself as the mechanical structure of the entire mechanism. Thus creating a unique compact design, that is convenient to wear and provides air when you most need it.

Abstract: A CPAP device and a method for treating sleep apnea use a head appliance with an oral adaptor comprising a tube partially inserted in a person's mouth and a diaphragm applied over the tube against the mouth, such that the lips are formed into a tight seal with the tube. A nasal seal is described comprising two rollers to which a strap is attached, so that the nasal seal is easily put in place, adjusted and maintained by rolling the rollers on the nose sides or pulling the straps.

Abstract: A rescue device and kit for ventilating a patient incapable of normal ventilation or intubation techniques includes a single-lumen nasopharyngeal nasal trumpet having a beveled shaped opening at its distal end and a flared proximal end. An eye opening is disposed slightly proximal to the beveled shaped opening and an air delivery extension tube is secured within the single-lumen opening at the flared proximal end of the nasal trumpet. The distal end of the extension tube secured within the nasal trumpet cooperates with the flared proximal end of the nasal trumpet to provide a soft non-tissue irritating nose plug when the nasal trumpet is fully inserted into a nostril opening of the patient. The kit further includes a tube of lubricant, an air bag, and a soft nose plug for blocking the other nostril opening of the patient during the novel rescue process.

Abstract: The nasal filter is a breathing aid that would filter pollutants and contaminants from the air, thus improving the quality of the air inhaled by individuals who suffer respiratory ailments and allergies to air borne pollutants. Designed to fit just inside the nostrils, the nasal filter would consist of a spring clip having flanged two-pronged ends with an oval shaped filtering member on each end. The filtering elements would be made of a medium grade cotton rolled into an appropriate configuration to fit the nostril, and could possibly be impregnated with oxymetazoline to aid in the treatment of nasal congestion. The flanged ends would secure the device in place during exhalation, and could also be useful in replacing the disposable filtering elements. The spring clip could be offered in clear or flesh-toned plastic and could also be offered in a variety of sizes to fit different user's noses.

Abstract: A nasal filtration device adapted to remove minute particles from the air entering the nostrils, the device comprising a nasal insert adapted for insertion into a nostril of the user, the insert comprising a housing defining a passageway therethrough, a filter element disposed within the housing and extending across the passageway. The filter element comprises a filter membrane secured at its periphery to the interior surface of the housing, so as to provide a fluid-tight seal between the filter membrane and the inner surface of the housing. The filter diaphragm may be made of polypropylene fibres and the housing may be formed of rubber-modified polypropylene, ensuring enhanced bonding capability between the two components. A pair of inserts may be integrally formed with a connective member.

Abstract: A nasal air passage device is provided that includes connected tubes for insertion into the nostrils. The tubes support the nostrils' interior walls, allowing an increased amount of air to pass through the nostrils, particularly during sleep. Each tube has an exterior surface that has nonconformities, such as mound-shaped, including bubble-shaped, and ridge-shaped protrusions, and the like, that are distributed in a substantially uniform manner across the exterior surface. The nonconformities cause discontinuities between the exterior surface area and the nostril interior wall tissue, thus reducing the tendency to dry and stick. The nonconformities can be arranged in substantial alignment or randomly, can be uniform or varied in size, and can be resilient or inelastic. Each tube has a forward and rearward end that is inwardly tapered, thus eliminating the presentation of a right-angled forward or rearward end to the nostril interior wall tissues.

Abstract: This invention is a nose clip, to be clipped onto a user's nose to prevent pool water from entering the user's nasal cavity, the nose clip comprising a main body, the main body having two clipping arms that are joined as one unit by connecting part, and two clipping parts on two clipping arms, and two flexible pads located at the clipping parts, characterized in that, the clipping arms are formed as inclined arches from the clipping parts to the connecting part. The clipping parts have an assembling groove to facilitate assembly of the flexible pads. The arched clipping arms enables comfortable contact with the nose ridge, providing comfortable clipping effect when the nose clip is clipped onto the wings of the nose, suitable for users with different shapes of nose.

Abstract: A nasal intubation device is used to penetrate a nasal region and provide irrigation and/or medication to the nasal region. This intubation device can also be used in other applications. The intubation device comprises a flexible tube and a distal tip at the distal end of the flexible tube. The distal tip includes flanges forming a generally arrow shape that is capable of penetrating the nasal region and allowing the intubation device to remain within the nasal region. The flexible tube includes a passageway communicating with a perforated region proximate the distal end to provide the irrigation and/or medication. An implantation device, such as a canula-trocart, can be used to implant the intubation device.

Abstract: This invention is a nose clip, to be clipped onto a user's nose to prevent pool water from entering the user's nasal cavity, the nose clip comprising a main body, the main body having two clipping arms that are joined as one unit by connecting part, and two clipping parts on two clipping arms, and two flexible pads located at the clipping parts, characterized in that, the clipping arms are formed as inclined arches from the clipping parts to the connecting part. The clipping parts have an assembling groove to facilitate assembly of the flexible pads. The arched clipping arms enables comfortable contact with the nose ridge, providing comfortable clipping effect when the nose clip is clipped onto the wings of the nose, suitable for users with different shapes of nose.

Abstract: A resuscitation device for providing a barrier between a rescuer and a patient requiring mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This resuscitation device includes an inflatable portion which when inflated extends in the breathing direction between the rescuer and the patient so as to be placed around at least one breathing organ of the victim. An inflation member receives airflow from the rescuer to inflate the inflatable portion. In this resuscitation device, a valve assembly permits airflow from the rescuer to the patient and diverts the exhalation and body fluids of the patient from reaching the rescuer. An additional barrier member can also be provided for shielding the rescuer from the patient.

Abstract: A device for improving the breathing of a user includes an upper arch (12) adapted to receive at least some of the user's upper teeth, a lower arch (14) adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth, a connector (16) adjustably coupling the lower arch (14) to the upper arch (12), a support surface (54) positioned forwardly, relative to the lower arch (14), and a tensile member (48). The tensile member (48) has first and second ends, in which the first end of the tensile member (48) adjustably couples to the connector (16), and the second end of the tensile member (48) couples to the lower arch (14). The tensile member (48) contacts the support surface (54) along a contact region of the tensile member (48) located between the first and second ends of the tensile member (48). The connector (16) is operable to adjustably position the lower arch (14) forwardly, relative to the upper arch (12), by exerting a tensile force upon the lower arch (14).

Abstract: A ventilation device has a flexible adhesive sheet that can be sealed around the patient's nose and mouth. A fitting extending through the sheet in the region of the mouth enables the patient to be ventilated by means of a vent tube inserted through the fitting.

Abstract: The present invention is a slip resistant nasal occlusion device for protective respirators including two suction cup pads and a clip connecting them together for biasing them against the sides of a wearer”s nose to occlude the nose wherein a vacuum is created by the engagement of the suction cup pads against the surface of the wearer”s nose. An alternative embodiment of the invention employs bioadhesive to engage and secure the noseclip from slipping off the nose.

Abstract: A nasal cannula retainer has a flexible member and cannula grips. The flexible member has a central nose portion with an adhesive backing for adhering to a patient's nose and two cheek portions connected to the nose portion, each of the cheek portions having an adhesive backing for adhering to a patient's cheek. The adhesive layers are covered with a peel layer which is removed prior to applying the retainer. The cannula grips are attached to the cheek portions to secure a nasal cannula on each of the patient's cheeks. The grips are releasable and reusable, allowing the cannula to be repositioned or temporarily removed without the need for the retainer to be discarded and replaced, and without the use of tape to secure the cannula to the retainer after the cannula is repositioned.

Abstract: Diving mask with compensation consisting of an outer frame, suitably shaped, and of an inner face connected to said outer frame. Said frame is formed by a body shaped so as to house the diver's nose and provided on the side of at least one nostril of the diver's nose with means for the compression of said nostril, and on the side of the other nostril with at least one abutment for said nostril. Said compression means are secured to the body and can be operated by the diver from the outside of the mask.

Abstract: A combination face mask and dental device for improved breathing during sleeping is provided in which a face mask (10) is connected through an air tube (14) to a gas supply system (16). The face mask (10) is connected through a connector (20) to a dental device (18).