Abstract: A compressor assembly for a portable oxygen concentrator includes a first compressor chamber having a first connector, a second compressor chamber having a second connector, and a tube having a first end having a first connection interface configured to connect to the first connector and a second end having a second connection interface configured to connect to the second connector. The first connection interface is shaped to maintain the connection between the first connector and the first connection interface in a fixed orientation and the second connection interface is shaped to maintain the connection between the second connector and the second connection interface in a fixed orientation. One or more of the first connector, the second connector, and the tube are compliant.

Abstract: A safety breathing apparatus has a sensor for measuring the difference in pressure between two point 1a, 1b in the gas delivered to a head unit 9. The sensor is used to measure the difference in the pressure of the gas supplied through the apparatus between the two points in the gas flow, and the pressure difference is then used to calculate the gas flow rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to providing novel functions to the double lumen breathing circuits and coaxial breathing circuits which at present do not comprise water traps, by adding a closed system water trap designed to have an inkwell shape and a lung pressure measurement port to said circuits wherein the fluid collected in the bottle section can be discharged without having to open the bottle by means of a drainage luer port located at the base of the bottle and a needleless apparatus that has been inserted into the port, and an injector.

Abstract: A method of providing a breath to a human patient. The patient has a patient connection connected, by a patient circuit, to a ventilator having a first ventilator connection and a different second ventilator connection. Each of the first and second ventilator connections are in fluid communication with the patient circuit. The method includes identifying, with the ventilator, initiation of an inspiratory phase of the breath, delivering a bolus of oxygen to the first ventilator connection before or during the inspiratory phase, and delivering breathing gases comprising air to the second ventilator connection during the inspiratory phase. The ventilator isolates the bolus of oxygen delivered to the first ventilator connection from the breathing gases delivered to the second ventilator connection.

Abstract: Systems and methods may include a gas source, a gas delivery circuit, and a nasal interface allowing breathing ambient air through the nasal interface. A gas flow path through the nasal interface may have a distal gas flow path opening. A nozzle may be associated with a proximal end of the nasal interface a distance from the distal end gas flow path opening. At least a portion of an entrainment port may be between the nozzle and the distal end gas flow opening. The nozzle may deliver gas into the nasal interface to create a negative pressure area in the gas flow path at the entrainment port. The nasal interface and the nozzle may create a positive pressure area between the entrainment port and the distal end gas flow path opening. Gas from the gas delivery source and air entrained through the entrainment port may increase airway pressure or lung pressure or provide ventilatory support.

Abstract: A holder apparatus for holding a conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula, has a mount 251 to couple with a breathing assistance apparatus 10 and at least one mechanical feature 237a, 237b for holding the conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula in place relative to the breathing assistance apparatus.

Abstract: A method of removing exhaled material from a medical procedure field adjacent to a subject's nose and mouth. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of placing an isolation barrier at least partially surrounding the subject's nose and mouth to define the medical procedure field; controlling air flow into the medical procedure field with the isolation barrier; and evacuating air from the medical procedure field at an air evacuation rate greater than or equal to the subject's respiratory minute volume. The invention also provides a system for creating an isolated medical procedure field around a subject's nose and mouth.

Abstract: Described here are closed-circuit breathing devices and methods for their use. In general, the closed-circuit breathing device is configured to achieve a steady-state equilibrium, whereby therapeutic gas is introduced into the breathing circuit in small, controlled volumes until a steady state concentration of the therapeutic gas is reached. During this time, the closed-circuit breathing device is operated in a true closed circuit, such that the therapeutic gas is not lost to the atmosphere. Safety measures are built into the closed-circuit breathing device so that a hypoxic mixture is not delivered to the subject. The therapeutic gas may be xenon.

Abstract: A therapeutic face mask apparatus for wearers with resistant respiratory viruses, is connected to a heat gun that provides adjustable heated and humidified air for inhalation. The heat gun heats ambient air that is breathed in through the face mask during normal breathing, which is worn over the nose and mouth of a person. A temperature gauge monitors temperature for future adjustment of the amount of heat generating current to raise the heat to a predetermined temperature to deactivate resistant viruses in compromised upper and/or lower respiratory systems of the wearer. The air in the chamber is heated for inhalation by a resistive element in the heat gun. The temperature of the resistive material (and by extension the warm air generated), is regulated/adjusted by increasing or decreasing the current output settings on the power source, so that heated and pressured air is produced.

Abstract: An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly. The mask assembly comprises a seal member that has an upper portion movably connected to an integrated lower portion, wherein the upper portion rolls during hinging movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The headgear assembly allows connection to the mask assembly in a direction substantially normal to a direction of strap tension. The connection port assembly includes a swivel elbow with a valve member that controls flow through a port that opens toward the user.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an oxygen mask comprising: a mask body defining a cavity configured to be positioned over the mouth and nose of a patient, an oxygen port formed on the upper half of the mask body, an annular aperture formed on the mask body, and at least one vent port formed on the mask body, wherein each vent port is formed on the bottom half of the mask body in a manner that patient's exhaled gases are directed towards the vent port.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance apparatus includes a conduit connecting a flow generator and an outlet. The conduit includes a venturi formation. The apparatus further includes an oxygen inlet in fluid communication or selective fluid communication with an oxygen outlet. The oxygen outlet is directed into the conduit and toward a mouth of the venturi formation. The flow generator provides a flow path for air to enter the conduit when the flow generator is not operating.

Abstract: A gas flow reversing element is provided comprising a main piece defining at least one closable outlet opening, a branching piece extending from the main piece, a line connector connected to the distal end of the branching piece, a pressure connector connected to the main piece, the pressure connector being structured to be fluidly connected to a pressurized gas supply; and a nozzle being configured and arranged in the main piece in such a way that a gas flow flowing in the main piece from the pressure connector through the nozzle to the at least one outlet opening, with the at least one outlet opening being disposed in the second open position, a gas flow can also be generated in the branching piece in a direction toward the at least one outlet opening.

Abstract: Methods and systems to treat Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) and/or central sleep apnea (CSA) include monitoring retrograde breathing and detecting respiratory events. Based on the occurrences of certain respiratory events, a target volume of rebreathing is adjusted to reduce arousals as well as CSR/CSA.

Abstract: A patient interface has a single loop headstrap and a mask for covering at least the nostrils of the user. The single loop headstrap extends from the mask at either end. A short length of supple conduit is coupled to the mask by a swivel or ball joint to allow rotation of the conduit relative to the mask through different angles and orientations.

Abstract: A CPAP flow driver is adapted to split supplied breathable fluid into a first portion delivered to a venturi throat to generate a pressure drop to draw in ambient air to create a CPAP flow and a second portion that is delivered to a nebulizer to drive the nebulizer.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus includes a compressed air source with a compressed air source valve, a breathing regulator with a pressure reducer and a demand valve, a breathing mask connected to the demand valve at a first inlet connector, a second air source, a switching mechanism having an actuating member for switching between the compressed air source and the second air source and an exhalation valve, on the breathing mask, movable between a higher internal pressure in a second operating state than in a first operating state. The actuating member is provided on the breathing regulator. The switching mechanism, upon being switching to compressed air breathing, activates the lung-governed demand valve and adjusts the exhalation valve to the second operating state. Upon switching to breathing via the second air source, the lung-governed demand valve is deactivated and the exhalation valve (30) is adjusted to the first operating state.

Abstract: An nCPAP device for assisting patient breathing includes a generator body forming an inlet, a chamber, and first and second flow circuits. The chamber directs pressurized gas from the inlet to the flow circuits. The flow circuits each include a nozzle, a channel, and at least one port. The nozzle emits a jet stream into the channel in a direction of a patient side thereof. The port fluidly connects the channel to ambient, and promotes entrainment of ambient air with the jet stream. In some embodiments, the channel forms a ramp feature directing exhaled air toward the jet stream in an angular fashion. The generator body requires reduced driving pressures to achieve target CPAP levels and reduces total imposed WOB as compared to conventional designs.

Abstract: A nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) device having a hollow body with a proximal wall, a distal wall, and an exhaust port extending through the distal wall. A proximal tubular member extends through the proximal wall of the body and is arranged such that a stream of gas entering the body through the proximal tubular member will exit the proximal tubular member in a first direction and then enter the exhaust port. A nozzle extends through the body and is arranged such that a stream of gas entering the body through the nozzle will exit the nozzle and then enter the proximal tubular member in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A negative pressure vest includes a housing defining a fixed, minimum interior volume. The housing has a neck opening, a pair of arm openings and a trunk opening. Each of the neck and arm openings includes a sealing member. A one-way check valve communicates between the interior volume and an ambient environment surrounding an exterior of the housing. The one-way check valve is openable at a pressure greater than an ambient atmospheric pressure. A one-way pressure-relief valve communicates between the interior volume and the ambient environment. The one-way intake valve is openable at a predetermined negative pressure. A method of providing negative pressure to the user's thorax is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for intra-airway breath sensors where intra-airway breath sensors are not located within a ventilation gas delivery circuit, but are exposed to spontaneous respiration airflow from a patient. Furthermore, methods and systems of the present invention may be used to protect an intra-airway breath sensor from contacting tissue or accumulating debris that may impair abilities of the intra-airway breath sensors.

Abstract: A combination positive airway pressure (PAP) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and resuscitation system and related methods. The systems can be well-suited for use in providing CPAP therapy for a neonate or infant patient, with the ability to also provide resuscitation therapy at a peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) as needed or desired without switching to another system or switching the patient interface. The system can include an expiratory pressure device capable of regulating a positive end expiration pressure (PEEP) of the system, which preferably can also induce pressure oscillations relative to a mean PEEP.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system to deliver a respiratory gas to crew members in a cabin of an aircraft. The system includes at least one respiratory mask, an ambient air inlet for admission of ambient air into the respiratory mask, a source of additional gas, supply lines to transport the additional gas to the respiratory mask, a mixing chamber provided on the supply lines to mix the additional gas with ambient air to supply a respiratory gas corresponding to a mixture of the additional gas and the ambient air to the respiratory mask, regulation system to regulate the additional gas content of the respiratory gas at least partly as a function of the aircraft altitude.

Abstract: A vent assembly for use with a mask assembly includes a first vent and a second vent having at least one different flow characteristic wherein the vent assembly can be switched between the first vent and the second vent to alter flow of exhaled gas from a patient.

Abstract: A pressurized flow of breathable gas is delivered to the airway of a subject through a gas circuit (16) as part of a therapy regime. Leakage of gas from within the circuit to atmosphere to prevent re-breathing of gas is dynamically adjusted to stabalize the total amount of leakage.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating an aerosol inhalation device (10), comprising the steps of transporting a certain amount of an aerosol to a desired location outside said device (10) and vibrating the transported aerosol when it has reached said desired location. In a second aspect, the invention relates to an aerosol inhalation device (10) comprising a pump (1) for flowing a certain amount of an aerosol to a desired location outside the device (10), a vibrator (2) for vibrating the transported aerosol in a vibration mode and a control configured to actuate the vibrator (2) for vibrating the flowed aerosol only when it has reached said desired location.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for nasally delivering a supraglottic jet ventilation and methods of treating breathing disorders by utilizing the apparatus for nasally delivering a supraglottic jet ventilation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an enhanced eductor element that significantly increases the amount of pressure generated at the siphon tube without significantly increasing the flow resistance through the eductor. The invention further provides for breath-actuated inhalation devices including the enhanced eductor element as an actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A self-breathing electrochemical oxygenerator includes an outer housing including an upper housing part and a lower housing part. A cavity formed by the upper housing part includes a battery installation cavity, a controller installation cavity and an electrochemical assembly installation cavity. Batteries are installed within the battery installation cavity. A controller is installed within the controller installation cavity. A self-breathing electrochemical pure oxygen generation assembly is installed within the electrochemical assembly installation cavity. An upper housing body of the upper housing part corresponding to the electrochemical assembly installation cavity has air holes. After the external oxygen output pipe is blocked, through timely manual operation, the pressure within the pure oxygen generation assembly is ensured to fall within a normal range, so as to ensure that the pure oxygen generation assembly works normally, thereby ensuring long service life of the oxygenerator.

Abstract: A breathing assistance device with improved pressure characteristics is disclosed. The device is capable of providing a high level of CPAP per unit of supplementary respirable gas consumed while maintaining low CPAP fluctuations throughout the breath cycle. The invention further optionally comprises a manometer for monitoring pressure and a safety pressure relief valve as additional safety measures against overpressure delivered to a patient. The device may be made to be completely disposable for one-time or single patient use.

Abstract: A nasal or full-face mask frame includes a main body and a vent assembly provided to the main body. The vent assembly includes a plurality of holes arranged in at least one column. The holes are positioned on a relatively flat and/or non-recessed portion of the main body.

Abstract: Mobile functional hospital unit (1) for the temporary distribution of medical fluids, comprising at least one rear outlet (5, 25; 30) for tapping off medical fluid designed and able to be connected to a medical fluid distribution network arranged within a hospital building and associated with the rear wall (6) of the cabinet (2), at least one side outlet (21, 22, 23, 24; 17) for tapping off medical fluid associated with at least one side wall (27, 28) of the cabinet (2), and at least one connecting line (9) fluidically connecting at least one gas cylinder (3, 4; 7, 8) to at least one of the rear (5, 25) and side (21, 22, 23, 24) gas tapping outlets in order to supply at least one of the rear (5, 25) and side (21, 22, 23, 24) outlets with gas delivered by at least one gas cylinder (3, 4; 7, 8).

Abstract: The present invention provides for an enhanced eductor element that significantly increases the amount of pressure generated at the siphon tube without significantly increasing the flow resistance through the eductor. The invention further provides for breath-actuated inhalation devices comprising the enhanced eductor element as an actuation mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for respiratory assistance and a measurement system that includes the device. The device includes a tube, which forms a main channel, and at least one auxiliary channel connected to a source of respiratory gas. The device further includes a unit by which vitiated gas, exhaled by a patient, is removed from the patient between a distal end of the auxiliary channel, which opens into the main channel, and a distal end of the main channel, and which is configured to capture and remove the exhaled gas, undiluted by insufflated fresh respiratory gas.

Abstract: An inhalation mask, an artificial nose unit, an anesthetic gas concentration detector, an extension tube, an anesthesia attachment, and an elastic bag are in communicative connection in sequence. The elastic bag has a mixing chamber formed therein and has an anesthetic inlet, an air inlet, and an outlet port each formed at the boundary to the exterior. The anesthesia attachment includes a hollow structure and an evaporation injector syringe. The outlet port of the elastic bag is in communicative connection with the hollow structure through its opening, and the evaporation injector syringe tightly mates with the interior of another opening. The anesthetic introduced into the mixing chamber is vaporized and then mixed with air introduced from the air inlet into mixed gas. The mixed gas is supplied from the outlet port to the inhalation mask by compressing the elastic bag or other procedures.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance device 10 includes: a mask 13 having an expiratory hole 13a; an expiratory valve 15 provided in the mask 13, for opening and closing the expiratory hole 13a; and a control unit 17 for performing overall control on the entire device. The mask 13 and the expiratory valve 15 together form an opening and closing device. The expiratory valve 15 is deformable by deformation of a piezo element 15a. The expiratory valve 15 is disposed on an inner surface 13f so that a deformation direction thereof, i.e., a thickness direction thereof, extends along the inner surface 13f of the mask 13 and a side surface 15m slides along the inner surface 13f by the deformation thereof.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an adaptor or attachment which is suitable for integration into the patient circuit of a ventilation system, such as a non-invasive open ventilation system, is configured for attachment to any standard ventilation mask, and is outfitted with a jet pump which creates pressure and flow by facilitating the entrainment of ambient air. The adaptor comprises a base element and a nozzle element which are operatively coupled to each other. The base element further defines a throat and at least one entrainment port facilitating a path of fluid communication between the throat and ambient air. The nozzle element includes a jet nozzle, and a connector which is adapted to facilitate the fluid coupling of the nozzle element to a bi-lumen tube of the patient circuit. The connector includes both a delivery port and a sensing port.

Abstract: An injection device (110) comprises a housing (112) adapted to receive a syringe (122) having a discharge nozzle (118), an actuator (114) and a drive (120) acted upon the syringe to advance it from a retracted position in which the discharge nozzle is contained within the housing to an extended position in which the discharge nozzle is contained within the housing to an extended position in which the discharge nozzle extends from the housing. There is a locking mechanism (HS) in communication with the actuator and activatable to be moved from a locked position in which the actuator is prevented from releasing the drive to an unlocked position in which the actuator is operable to act upon drive to advance the syringe. The locking mechanism or the housing includes integrally formed biasing means (210) adapted to return the locking mechanism to a locked position when it is not activated. There is no need for separate springs to be used bias to the releasable locking mechanism out the housing.

Abstract: A gas flow reversing element is provided comprising a main piece defining at least one closable outlet opening, a branching piece extending from the main piece, a line connector connected to the distal end of the branching piece, a pressure connector connected to the main piece, the pressure connector being structured to be fluidly connected to a pressurized gas supply; and a nozzle being configured and arranged in the main piece in such a way that a gas flow flowing in the main piece from the pressure connector through the nozzle to the at least one outlet opening, with the at least one outlet opening being disposed in the second open position, a gas flow can also be generated in the branching piece in a direction toward the at least one outlet opening.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly includes a housing that defines an inlet port and an outlet port. A jet pump receives pressurized gas flow from the inlet port and delivers the gas flow to the outlet port. A nebulizer is fluidly coupled to the outlet port and positioned to introduce medication into the gas flow and deliver medicated gas flow to a patient.

Abstract: A CPAP or other ventilation system includes a mask, a flow generator, a positive or high pressure line to provide positive or high pressure air from the flow generator to the mask and a vacuum or return line provided to actively extract exhaled gas from the breathing chamber and/or the air delivery conduit of the mask. The vacuum or return line includes a vent outlet preferably positioned remote from the mask.

Abstract: The current embodiment shows a portable, adjustable, oxygen delivery system. This embodiment delivers up to one-hundred percent oxygen while simultaneously conserving oxygen during the user's exhalation phase. The current embodiment contains an air-entrainment system (FIG. 12), a reservoir bag (FIG. 7), a one-way valve assembly (FIG. 5a), and a cannula (FIG. 2a) for delivering a precise amount of oxygen. This embodiment also allows for independent control over oxygen flow and oxygen percentage. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator system includes a portable unit and a base unit. The portable unit includes an air separation device. The base unit includes a vacuum pump. The portable unit is moveable with respect to the base unit between a connected position, in which the vacuum pump of the base unit is connected to the air separation device of the portable unit for applying vacuum pressure at the air separation device of the portable unit, and a disconnected position, in which the vacuum pump is not connected to the air separation device of the portable unit. The air separation device operates using a vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) cycle when the portable unit is in the connected position. The air separation device operates using a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) cycle when the portable unit is in the disconnected position.

Abstract: A pump unit includes a micro pump and an assist mechanism. The micro pump includes: a housing having an inflow port and an outflow port; and a pump device built in the housing, the pump device transporting a fluid from the inflow port to the outflow port. The assist mechanism includes a jet nozzle for jetting a fluid. A jet port is opened at a tip portion of the jet nozzle. The assist mechanism is disposed in such a manner that a gap through which a fluid outside can flow is formed between the tip portion and the housing. The jet port is located in proximity to the inflow port. The jet port directly faces the inflow port.

Abstract: A nasal continuous positive airway pressure device for lowering patient work-of-breathing is described. The device may include an inspiratory tubing in fluid communication with at least two nasal prongs; expiratory tubing; and a generator body coupled there between. The generator body may include at least two jets configured for receiving gas from the inspiratory tubing; and a flow enhancer configured for directing received gas. The flow enhancer may include a gas manager configured for channeling received gas towards a jet impingement point via at least two jet paths; a fluidic flip trigger configured for triggering a fluidic flip of channeled gas back towards the expiratory tubing by directing a first portion of exhaled patient breath towards the jet impingement point along a first pathway; and an isolated pathway manager configured for directing a second portion of the exhaled patient breath along a second pathway towards the expiratory tubing.

Abstract: A portable nasal ventilation assembly and system having a nasal piece with fluid delivery ports which engage and occlude the nares of a patient and provides sustained oxygen saturations greater than 90% with lung afflictions requiring high-flows such as Pulmonary Fibrosis. The assembly is noninvasive and does not require the use of positive pressure machines that can only be used within the confines of a hospital intensive care unit. It can be used on patients with different respiratory problems. Patients on the system can be home while awaiting further hospital treatment, such as (for example) a lung transplant, for a fraction of the cost of a hospital stay. Although the system does not replace ventilator devices, it is effective for spontaneously breathing patients that require ventilators to maintain an adequate life sustaining oxygen level. The device allows for portability and can reduce hospital stay and cost dramatically.

Abstract: An expiratory therapy device includes: a flow-adjusting member defining an upper chamber and a lower chamber and having an inner tube that defines an inner chamber and that is formed with wall openings; a driving member; an opening-controlling member including a cylindrical valve that is formed with wall apertures and that is driven by the driving member; and a flow rate-enhancing member including a venturi tube that is connected to the flow-adjusting member, that has an air entrainment port, and that is provided with a jet-forming member defining a venturi orifice. The flow rate-enhancing member generates the venturi effect, such that outside air is entrained into the venturi tube through the air entrainment port and flows into the upper chamber.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for providing mechanical ventilation support of a patient using an open airway patient interface. The system includes gas delivery circuit and patient interface configurations to optimize performance and efficiency of the ventilation system. A ventilation system may include a ventilator for supplying ventilation gas. A patient interface may include distal end in communication with a patient airway, a proximal end in communication with ambient air, and an airflow channel between the distal end and the proximal end. A gas delivery circuit may be adapted to attach to the patient interface without occluding the patient interface to allow ambient air to flow from outside the patient interface to the patient airway. The ventilation gas may entrain air from ambient and from the patient airway.

Abstract: An nCPAP device for assisting patient breathing includes a generator body forming an inlet, a chamber, and first and second flow circuits. The chamber directs pressurized gas from the inlet to the flow circuits. The flow circuits each include a nozzle, a channel, and at least one port. The nozzle emits a jet stream into the channel in a direction of a patient side thereof. The port fluidly connects the channel to ambient, and promotes entrainment of ambient air with the jet stream. In some embodiments, the channel forms a ramp feature directing exhaled air toward the jet stream in an angular fashion. The generator body requires reduced driving pressures to achieve target CPAP levels and reduces total imposed WOB as compared to conventional designs.

Abstract: A breathing assistance device with improved pressure characteristics is disclosed. The device is capable of providing a high level of CPAP per unit of supplementary respirable gas consumed while maintaining low CPAP fluctuations throughout the breath cycle. The invention further optionally comprises a manometer for monitoring pressure and a safety pressure relief valve as additional safety measures against overpressure delivered to a patient. The device may be made to be completely disposable for one-time or single patient use.