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: In one embodiment, a method for modulating a person's autonomic function comprises interfacing a valve system to the person's airway, the valve system being configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event. The person is permitted to inhale and exhale through the valve system, wherein during inhalation the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to transiently decrease intrathoracic pressure and thereby modulate the person's autonomic function.

Abstract: A demonstration device comprises a base having a front side, a back side, a respiratory port, a circulation port, a heart port and at least one lung port. The heart port is fluidly connected to the circulation port, and the lung port is fluidly connected to the respiratory port. A compressible member is sealed to the front side of the base to define a chamber over the lung port and the heart port. A lung member is disposed over the lung port, and a heart member is disposed over the heart port. In this way, when the compressible member is compressed and released, the lung member deflates and inflates and the heart member deflates and inflates.

Abstract: An improved manual resuscitation device such as a bag-valve-mask (BVM) device with flow control valve to eliminate the danger of patient distension and aspiration of stomach contents during ventilation. The BVM having the usual patient mask with a gas inlet and flexible patient face sealing edge, flexible manually squeezed bag with a one way intake and output valves in flow communication with a gas source and the mask inlet, and exhaust port for exhausting exhaled gas from the mask when the bag output valve is closed. The flow control valve is interposed between the mask and bag to automatically and variably limit the rate of gas flow from the bag to the mask between a predetermined minimum flow rate and a maximum flow rate. A similar flow control valve can be included in any manual resuscitation device such as a pocket mask or face shield to equal advantage.

Abstract: A method for administering a drug to a patient comprises coupling a valve system to the patient's airway. The valve system is configured to prevent or impede respiratory gases from flowing into the lungs for at least some time such that the intrathoracic pressure is less than atmospheric pressure. A drug is introduced into the patient, and the intrathoracic pressure is lowered using the valve system to cause blood to flow into the thorax and thereby increasing vital organ perfusion to enhance the circulation of the drug.

Abstract: An intake valve includes a bladder having a face piece coupled to one end and an opening formed in the other end, a cover attached to the other end of the bladder and having a port coupled to an air reservoir and having a hub coupled to a container, which may be used for pumping air into the bladder when the air in the air reservoir has been consumed. The cover has a check valve for air to flow into the cover when the container is expanded, and for pumping air into the bladder when the container is squeezed. Another check valve may be used for outward flowing of excess air.

Abstract: A pressure regulator suitable for use as a breathing demand valve in self-contained breathing equipment comprising a first chamber incorporating an inlet port having an inlet valve therein, preferably in the form of a poppet valve and biased so as to seal of the inlet port, and separated from a second chamber by a diaphragm. The diaphragm co-operates with the end of a stem extending from the poppet valve member of the inlet valve such that, upon inhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected towards the inlet valve and exerts a force on the poppet valve stem sufficient to open the poppet valve and, upon exhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected away form the inlet valve so that the diaphragm no longer contacts the end of the poppet valve stem and the inlet valve closes.

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: This invention constitutes a 3-in-1 in-line nebulizer, mediport dispenser, and suction chamber for bag valve masks, endotracheal tubes and tracheotomy tubes attachment with universal adaptability for airways for adults and children. The invention's nebulizer chamber (4) permits administering in-line respiratory medications. The invention's medication administration port (3) permits administering cardiac and narcotic antagonist medications down the endotracheal tube or tracheotomy tube to the patient without the need of interrupting ventilation or breathing assistance. The invention's suction port (4) facilitates the removal of emesis from the oral airway of the patient, endotracheal tube or tracheotomy tube without jeopardizing ventilation, breathing assistance to the patient or compromising endotracheal tube or tracheotomy tube placement.

Abstract: A method for increasing circulation in a breathing person utilizes a valve system that is interfaced to the person's airway and is configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event. The person is permitted to inhale and exhale through the valve system. During inhalation, the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to increase blood flow back to the right heart of the person, thereby increasing cardiac output and blood circulation.

Abstract: An intake valve includes a bladder having a face piece coupled to one end and an opening formed in the other end, a cover attached to the other end of the bladder and having a port coupled to an air reservoir and having a hub coupled to a container, which may be used for pumping air into the bladder when the air in the air reservoir has been consumed. The cover has a check valve for air to flow into the cover when the container is expanded, and for pumping air into the bladder when the container is squeezed. Another check valve may be used for outward flowing of excess air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for performing artificial respiration on a patient, comprising a container (1) which defines an inner volume relative to the ambient and has a first opening accommodating a valve arrangement (2, 14) which allows inflow of air or gases from the outer area to the inner area, and a second opening in connection with which there is provided a valve arrangement (3, 16) which allows outflow from the container and prevents inflow to the container through the second opening. An expansible means (7) is provided in the container and adapted to expand upon action from the outer area to displace air and/or other gases in the container (1) out through the second opening. This improves the certainty that oxygen and/or other gas finds its way to the patient's air passages.

Abstract: A method for administering a drug to a patient comprises coupling a valve system to the patient's airway. The valve system is configured to prevent or impede respiratory gases from flowing into the lungs for at least some time such that the intrathoracic pressure is less than atmospheric pressure. A drug is introduced into the patient, and the intrathoracic pressure is lowered using the valve system to cause blood to flow into the thorax and thereby increasing vital organ perfusion to enhance the circulation of the drug.

Abstract: A medical rescue system comprises a pressure responsive valve system that is configured to permit respiratory gases to be actively passed through the valve system and to prevent the flow of respiratory gases through the valve system until a threshold negative intrathoracic pressure is exceeded. The valve system further includes a swivel mount, and a ventilation tube is provided to be pivotally coupled to the swivel mount in the valve system. A headrest may also be provided to elevate and tilt the patient's head back and away from the patient's chest to assist in ventilating the patient. The communication device may be stored in the headrest to send communication signals to a remote receiver for emergency service.

Abstract: A portable bag valve mask resuscitator including an air intake adapter for attachment of an air filter cartridge for filtering air administered during manual resuscitation procedures and a method for converting bag mask resuscitators.

Abstract: An improved one-way valve for use in breathing apparatus comprising a valve housing, a one-way valve disposed in the valve housing that is in sealing contact to the valve housing, and a flexible retainer ring. The flexible retainer ring allows the one-way valve to unseat a greater distance within the valve housing thereby allowing an increase in the amount of expiratory gas through an exhaust port of the valve housing and the flexible retainer ring also prevents the deformation and inversion of the one-way valve thereby maintaining the proper flow of both respiratory and expiratory gases.

Abstract: A method for increasing circulation in a breathing person utilizes a valve system that is interfaced to the person's airway and is configured to decrease or prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during at least a portion of an inhalation event. The person is permitted to inhale and exhale through the valve system. During inhalation, the valve system functions to produce a vacuum within the thorax to increase blood flow back to the right heart of the person, thereby increasing cardiac output and blood circulation.

Abstract: A resuscitator is provided with an integral carbon dioxide detector for indicating the presence of carbon dioxide in a patient. The carbon dioxide detector is a conventional pH sensitive chromogenic compound that is positioned in the breathing circuit to permit a rapid indication.

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 assisting in the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation includes a case having a latch that is normally closed. The case carries a circuit which has a switch that is normally open. The switch is coupled to the latch and is closed when the case is opened. The case includes a rescue aid, such as a ventilation mask, wherein opening of said latch causes closure of said switch which energizes an instruction circuit that immediately provides verbal instructions for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of the rescue aid.

Abstract: An ink-jet dispenser for the micro-dispensation of airborne materials into an individual's airspace for inhalation or sniffing. The ink-jet dispenser will allow the study of temporal integration times, inter-nostril summation, backwards and forwards masking, and other olfactory phenomena.

Abstract: A portable rescue breathing device provides people with minimal training with the ability to assist victims who are breathing inadequately or not at all. The portable rescue breathing device provides a pressurized source of air at a controlled and varying rate. The portable breathing device also provides voice instructions to people using the device to assist a victim and monitors pressure to provide diagnostic data.

Abstract: A manually manipulated resuscitation mask, which includes a flexible barrier for providing a sealing contact with a face of a victim in a region adjacent to a victim's mouth. The flexible barrier has an opening therethrough to cooperate with the victim's mouth. The opening in the sheet is comprised of an integrally connected, flexible sleeve, extending away from the flexible sheet and the victim's face. The sleeve has an open end remote from where the sleeve is integrally connected to the flexible barrier sheet. The mask also includes a tubular member that has first and second end portions. The tubular member is positionable within the flexible sleeve and has the first end portion integrally secured to the open end of the flexible sleeve. The second end portion of the tubular member is located adjacent to the flexible barrier sheet when the tubular member is positioned within the sleeve.

Abstract: A safety valve for use in closed systems wherein there is a flow generator delivering oxygen or some other type of breathing gas to a patient. The safety valve of the present invention vents to the open atmosphere in the event that the breathing gas generated by the flow generator diminishes or terminates.