Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury caused by a traumatic event that includes identifying a subject at risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury, and then precisely increasing the partial pressure of carbon-dioxide (CO2) in the blood of the subject (pCO2). This method can be applied to raise the CO2 and pCO2 to improve orthostatic hypotension in conditions such as dysautonomias (like Positional Orthostatic Tachycardic Syndrome POTS) and to facilitate the drive to breathe in conditions like Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The pCO2 of the person is increased by placing a breathing apparatus over the mouth of the person through which the person must breath, wherein the breathing apparatus includes an enlarged dead space volume in which expired CO2 collects to be inhaled or re-breathed by the person on the next inhalation.

Abstract: A resuscitation management system may include a sensible element that may be configured to be mounted on a first side of an outer surface of a resuscitation bag. The sensible element may include one of an electromagnet and a permanent magnet. The resuscitation management system may further include a sensing element that may be a magnetometer that may be configured to be mounted on a second side of the outer surface of the bag. The magnetometer may be configured to measure and generate an output signal indicating a magnitude of the magnetic field generated by the sensible element. The resuscitation management system may further include a processing unit that may be coupled to the sensing element. The processing unit may be configured to associate the output signals of the sensing element with compressions of the bag and calculate a breathing rate based on the compressions of the bag.

Abstract: Survivors of central nervous system injury commonly present with spastic hypertonia. The affected muscles are hyperexcitable and can display involuntary static muscle tone and an exaggerated stretch reflex. These symptoms affect posture and disrupt activities of daily living. Symptoms are typically measured using subjective manual tests such as the Modified Ashworth Scale; however, more quantitative measures are necessary to evaluate potential treatments. The hands are one of the most common targets for intervention, but few investigators attempt to quantify symptoms of spastic hypertonia affecting the fingers. An Isometric Force Pillow (IFP) is provided herein to quantify involuntary grip force. This lightweight, computerized tool provides a holistic measure of finger flexion force and can be used in various orientations for clinical testing and to measure the impact of assistive devices.

Abstract: A method actuates a dosing valve of a tank ventilation system. The dosing valve is opened not only once but twice at every activation time, and thus a generated pressure wave is depleted. An associated tank ventilation system and an associated motor vehicle make use of the method.

Abstract: A patient interface is configured to deliver a pressurized flow of respiratory gas to a patient's airways. The patient interface includes a cradle base configured to cradle the patients nose in use. Two protrusions extend from the cradle base and are configured to be inserted into the patients nares in use. Each of the protrusions have formed therein an opening configured to allow a continuous flow of air therethrough. In addition, a plenum base forms a plenum chamber together with the cradle base. The cradle base is configured so that movement of the cradle base is decoupled from the plenum base.

Abstract: A ventilator adaptor for switching between ventilator devices while maintaining respiratory support to a patient is described. The ventilator adaptor has a first movable element with a first inlet and a second inlet, and a second movable element movably attached to the first movable element and with an outlet. The outlet has an inner diameter of 14.5-15.5 mm, preferably 15 mm, and the first inlet and the second inlet have an outer diameter of 14.5-15.5 mm, preferably 15 mm. The outlet is in fluid communication with the first inlet in a first position or with the second inlet in a second position by moving the second movable element relative to the first movable element thereby aligning the outlet with the first inlet or the second inlet. The outlet may be attached to an endotracheal tube in order to form a ventilation assembly.

Abstract: A control system controls fresh gas dispensing for an anesthesia device, with a patient gas-measuring unit, an anesthetic-dispensing unit, a user interface, and a fresh gas regulation unit. With a transition from deactivated assistance mode to activated assistance mode, a processing unit receives a measured signal, a fresh gas signal and an assistance signal and calculates an end tidal anesthetic concentration over time based on a current volume flow, a predefined volume flow and on a current end tidal anesthetic concentration and stores this as a preset curve. A fresh gas correction signal is output upon the determined current end tidal anesthetic concentration leaving a surrounding range of the preset curve. A predefined volume flow curve is changed as a function of the correction signal. The volume flow of fed fresh gas is increased when the surrounding range is undershot and is reduced when the surrounding range is exceeded.

Abstract: A connection assembly for a respiratory therapy system, comprising: an outlet assembly, said outlet assembly including an outlet housing and a swivelling disc located on said outlet housing, said outlet housing and said swivelling disc defining, at least in part, a recess; an outlet connector located at an end of a tube portion, said outlet connector including an electrical connector; and a cable having a first end to connect to the electrical connector and a second end to connect to at least one electrical component of the respiratory therapy system, said cable having a slack portion, wherein said outlet connector and said swivelling disc are rotatable in unison between a first position and a second position, and wherein the slack portion of the cable extends from the recess and wraps around the swivelling disc as the swivelling disc is rotated from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A resuscitation bag (bag valve mask resuscitator or BVM or BVMR) or other similar ventilation device (for example: anesthesia bag) includes a structure that allows a selectable, and repeatable volume be delivered to patients. The reservoir of the BVMR is formed from elastic, gastight material in the form of an elongated hollow body, with an essentially circular cross section. A range of motion control (ROMC) structure controls, or selectively limits the range of motion or collapse of the elastic bag to limit or control the volume expelled from the bag to the patient.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube to bag valve device connecting assembly for quick access to an endotracheal tube for suctioning includes a first tube and a second tube that are coupled to a hinge so that the first tube is positioned to be swiveled relative to the second tube to align the first tube with the second tube, wherein the first tube and the second tube define a pipe. A first end of the pipe is configured to selectively couple to a patient valve of a bag valve device. A second end of the pipe is configured to selectively couple to an endotracheal tube. The pipe is configured to allow flow of gas from the bag valve device to the endotracheal tube. The first tube is positioned to be swiveled on the hinge so that the second tube is configured to insert a suction tube into the endotracheal tube to clear an airway.

Abstract: A patient valve for ventilating a patient with a ventilator, including a first valve element having at least one connection, wherein the at least one connection is oriented with the central axis thereof at an angle deviating from the vertical position in relation to the patient valve central axis, such that a shortened patient valve having a reduced dead space volume is supported.

Abstract: A nasal ventilation mask supplies breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The mask has a housing defining an internal cavity and having a peripheral end defining an end opening. The end opening is in fluid communication with the internal cavity. The end opening is configured to be positioned over an airway on a face of the patient. A sealing member is connected to the housing proximate the end opening. The sealing member extends towards the internal cavity and is configured to abut the face of the patient and deflect towards the internal cavity. The housing further defines a connector assembly having an opening in fluid communication with the internal cavity. The connector assembly is configured to be operably connected to a supply of breathing gas.

Abstract: A respiratory ventilator device is described herein. The respiratory ventilator device includes an inhaled air assembly, an exhaled air assembly, and a control system operatively coupled to the inhaled air assembly and the exhaled air assembly. The inhaled air assembly is coupled to a patient respiratory circuit and configured to channel a volume of inhalation air to the patient's lungs to assist in patient inhalation. The exhaled air assembly is coupled to the patient respiratory circuit and configured to remove air from the patient's lungs to assist in a patient exhalation. The control system is configured to operate the respiratory ventilator system in an inhalation mode and an exhalation mode.

Abstract: A system for actuating a volume and/or pressure-controlled manual ventilator including a manual ventilator, a storage case, and an actuating mechanism. The manual ventilator includes a compressible body, an output one-way valve at an output end, and an input one-way valve at an input end. The storage case includes an inner housing surface configured to accommodate the manual ventilator. The actuating mechanism includes a power unit mechanically coupled to a linear rod mechanism and one or more applicator pads mechanically coupled to the linear rod mechanism and proximal to the compressible body. The linear rod mechanism is configured to convert a rotating motion of the power unit into an axial movement of the linear rod mechanism. The actuating mechanism is configured to apply pressure to the compressible body of the manual ventilator via the one or more applicator pads such that a volume of the compressible body is deflated.

Abstract: A manual resuscitator regulating system for regulating the rate and volume of ventilation during manual resuscitation. The manual resuscitator regulating system may include an intake assembly configured to permit a selected volume of gas to flow into a chamber over a predetermined amount of time and/or an outtake assembly configured to permit a selected volume of gas flow out of the chamber over a predetermined amount of time. The intake assembly and/or the outtake assembly may include one or more adjustment mechanisms configured to allow a user to selectively adjust volume. The intake assembly and the outtake assembly may be configured to coordinate with one another to deliver a selected tidal volume and/or volume of gas. The manual resuscitator regulating system may include a placement indicator configured to indicate or guide a user where to squeeze or compress the chamber.

Abstract: A device and method for adjusting a tidal breath delivered to a patient. The device includes a moving frame which is configured to move over a stationary frame that is nested within the moving frame itself. Disposed between the moving frame and the stationary frame is a compressible bellows which delivers a tidal breath to the patient each time the moving frame is passed over the stationary frame. The specific volume of the tidal breath that is delivered may adjusted according to the estimated weight of the patient, thereby preventing over inflation of the patient's lungs while undergoing treatment. To adjust the tidal breath volume, the user quickly changes the relative position of a slide adjuster which dictates the range of possible movement between the moving frame and the stationary frame, thereby limiting the volume of air/oxygen which may be drawn into the bellows.

Abstract: A device and method for adjusting a tidal breath delivered to a patient. The device includes a moving frame which is configured to move over a stationary frame that is nested within the moving frame itself. Disposed between the moving frame and the stationary frame is a compressible bellows which delivers a tidal breath to the patient each time the moving frame is passed over the stationary frame. The specific volume of the tidal breath that is delivered may adjusted according to the estimated weight of the patient, thereby preventing over inflation of the patient's lungs while undergoing treatment. To adjust the tidal breath volume, the user quickly changes the relative position of a slide selector which dictates the range of possible movement for the bellows to be compressed, thereby limiting the volume of air/oxygen which may be delivered by the bellows.

Abstract: A ventilation drive (10) for an anesthesia device and a method for operating such a ventilation drive (10) are provided. The ventilation drive includes a blower unit (12), a pressure chamber (14) and a flexible bag (16) located in the pressure chamber (14). An internal volume of the bag (16) is coupled to an inspiratory branch (20) of a ventilation line. The blower unit (12) can be coupled to the internal volume of an outlet side and to an air inlet (26) for feeding ambient air on an inlet side. Further, a flow sensor (36) is provided between the outlet side of the blower unit (12) and the pressure chamber (14).

Abstract: Resuscitation apparatuses and methods for assisted ventilation are described herein. The apparatuses may include functional elements that allow the manual delivery of a prescribed volume to an adult or an infant lung. Furthermore, the apparatuses may inform and assure an emergency worker that an appropriate volume is being delivered and therefore lessen the possibility of barotrauma from over-delivery, or ventilatory distress from under-delivery. In some embodiments, the apparatuses include biomechanical and ergonomic functional elements that allow an adult hand to hold it in place during operation, while at the same time, allowing the user to actuate the apparatus to deliver only the necessary amount of volume suitable for an infant lung. In other embodiments, a volume-controlled design is applied to pediatric and adult resuscitation.

Abstract: In this disclosure, a breathing support system is presented which automates and regulates the use of a bag valve mask (commonly known as an ambu bag). The system can use mechanical actuators, sensors and a smart feedback control mechanism to automate and regulate the operation of the ambu bag to implement core functions of mechanical ventilation for life-saving applications. The system can also be used to provide better breathing support to newborns (e.g. to prevent hypoxia).

Abstract: A stabilizer arm for a BVM resuscitator and method of use is disclosed. The stabilizer arm provides the necessary support to the reservoir bag to enable the user to exert downward pressure on the BVM resuscitator while simultaneously squeezing the reservoir bag, and creates force that is focused, directed, and realized at the mask of the assembly. Due to the presence of the stabilizer arm, this pressure pushes the facial mask downward to assist in forming a tight mask to face seal. The stabilizer arm may be internal, external or integrated into the reservoir bag wall of the BVM resuscitator and may be retro-fitted or original equipment manufactured. The external stabilizer arm may be designed to engage the outlet port neck of the BVM resuscitator with an open collar or a closed collar. The internal stabilizer arm may be configured to fit BVM resuscitators having single piece or multiple piece outlet valve design.

Abstract: The specification describes an artificial resuscitation bag (5) having (i) a deformable bag (54) with a gas inlet (54A) and a gas outlet (54B), (ii) a pneumatic control valve (50) comprising an exhaust port (50c) adapted for controlling the flow of gas exiting to the atmosphere through said exhaust port (50c), and (iii) a monitoring module (60), operably connected to the pneumatic control valve (50) and having an absolute pressure sensor (60d) for measuring at least an absolute pressure (Pabs) in the inner compartment (50f) of the pneumatic control valve (50) and for transmitting at least an absolute pressure signal to a central processing unit (60c) and an ambient pressure sensor (60b) for measuring at least an atmospheric pressure (Patm) and for transmitting at least an atmospheric pressure signal to the central processing unit (60c).

Abstract: A respiratory device for providing respiratory support to a patient. The device includes an expandable bag portion and a connection member in fluid communication with the expandable bag portion. The expandable bag portion includes an air intake valve and has an adjustable predetermined tidal volume. The connection member includes a positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) valve, a PEEP controller configured to control the pressure of the PEEP valve, a two-way valve configured to allow air to move from the expandable bag portion in a first direction and through the PEEP valve in an opposing direction, a pressure relief valve configured to vent excess pressure from the connection member to an external environment, and a patient breathing interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of devices accommodating bag ventilators applied in medical settings, and, more particularly to devices for automation of the use of bag ventilators.

Abstract: An over-pressure control device prevents over-pressure conditions during the delivery of pressure treatment therapy to a patient with a respiratory treatment apparatus. The device may prevent delivered pressure from exceeding a first maximum pressure threshold. The device may also prevent the delivered pressure from exceeding a second maximum pressure threshold when the delivered pressure exceeds another pressure threshold for a period of time. In some embodiments, the second maximum pressure threshold may be lower than the first maximum pressure threshold. In an example embodiment, a set of comparators are configured to compare pressure with a maximum pressure threshold and to control a reduction in the pressure if the pressure exceeds the maximum pressure threshold. The set may also be configured to compare the pressure with a pressure threshold and to control reduction in the maximum pressure threshold if the pressure exceeds the pressure threshold for a period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxygen mask (1) for an emergency oxygen supply of passengers in an aircraft, with a carrier (12), on which a breathing bag connection (5) for a breathing bag (11), an inhalation valve (3) and an exhalation valve (4) are provided, wherein the carrier (12) comprises at least two carrier parts (14, 15, 16) which are arranged pivotable to one another.

Abstract: Described are overinflation and/or overventilation devices. The devices can include a body configured to attach to a resuscitation interface and a gas source, a subject metric input component disposed at the body, the subject metric input component configured to receive input specifying a metric associated with a resuscitation subject; and a volume control mechanism disposed within the body, the volume control mechanism configured to control a volume of gas provided by the gas source during a manual resuscitation that is communicated to the resuscitation interface based on the metric provided by the subject metric input component. Methods of using these devices are also included.

Abstract: A breath powered positive airway pressure device having an expiratory chamber for receiving expired air from a user. The chamber has at least one resiliently flexible surface that is configured to expand to accommodate the expired air, so that the pressure within the chamber gradually increases during expiration. The device may also include an inspiratory chamber for holding air to be inspired, wherein the at least one resiliently flexible surface forms a flexible partition separating the expiratory chamber from the inspiratory chamber. The flexible partition is configured to expand into the inspiratory chamber during expiration, so that the air that is held within the inspiratory chamber also becomes pressurized during expiration.

Abstract: Method of treating an individual following a period of ischemia are provided. The methods include administering inhaled agents postconditioning to the individual and optionally simultaneously performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The inhaled agents include at least one noble gas.

Abstract: A medicant injection device includes a compressible body, a tip, and an outer luer body. The compressible body has a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of bellows, and defines an inner cavity for holding a liquid medicant. The tip is positioned at the proximal end of the compressible body. The outer luer body includes internal threads, and is positioned over and engaged with the tip to form a first fitting therewith. The first fitting is configured to be connected with a second fitting. A medicant injection device includes a compressible body having first and second arms, a receptacle interconnected with the compressible body and defining an inner cavity, and a first fitting configured to engage a second fitting. The compressible body is configured to be compressed by forcing the distal end of the first and second arm toward each other.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus includes an inner volumetric member pressurizable from a first pressure to a second pressure and an outer volumetric member surrounding at least a portion of the inner expandable volumetric member. The inner volumetric member pressurizes the outer volumetric member as the inner volumetric member is pressurized from the first pressure to the second pressure. In another embodiment, a breathing assistance apparatus includes exhalation and inhalation chambers with respective biasing members providing for the exhalation chamber to apply a pressure to the inhalation chamber and thereby provide assisted inhalation. Methods for assisting breathing are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method configured to control pressure during enhanced cough flow of a subject are provided. A pressure regulator is operated such that during an individual exhalation of the subject, the pressure regulator is toggled between a first mode in which a subject interface is closed such that substantially no gas is communicated with the airway of the subject there through and a second mode in which the subject interface is opened to cause a series of exsufflation events for the individual exhalation of the subject. The pressure relief valve is associated with the subject interface and configured to open and release gas out of the subject interface, responsive to pressure within the subject interface exceeding a predetermined threshold value so as to maintain the pressure within the subject interface within a predetermined pressure range during the enhanced cough flow.

Abstract: The Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) device disclosed herein fits at or around the a person's nose, and incorporates at least one bi-resistance air flow cartridge which allows air to enter the nose freely upon inspiration, while it produces a prescribed back pressure against the discharging air from the nose upon expiration. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of detachable bi-resistance air flow cartridges is attached to the underside of a frame, in alignment with two flexible nasal pillows that connect the device to a person's nostrils.

Abstract: A breath powered positive airway pressure device having an expiratory chamber for receiving expired air from a user. The chamber has at least one resiliently flexible surface that is configured to expand to accommodate the expired air, so that the pressure within the chamber gradually increases during expiration. The device may also include an inspiratory chamber for holding air to be inspired, wherein the at least one resiliently flexible surface forms a flexible partition separating the expiratory chamber from the inspiratory chamber. The flexible partition is configured to expand into the inspiratory chamber during expiration, so that the air that is held within the inspiratory chamber also becomes pressurized during expiration.

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring patient physiological data are presented herein. A gas analyzing measurement head can be provided to sample and analyze respiratory gases of a patient. In one embodiment, the gas analyzing measurement head can read information on an information element of an airway adapter or resuscitation bag. Such information can be used to generate instructions for manual ventilation using the gas analyzing measurement head, airway adapter, and resuscitation bag. Manual ventilation instructions can be displayed on the gas analyzing measurement head or can be transmitted for display on another device, such as a clinician's mobile computing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracheal coupling comprising a patient port 33, an outlet port 36, an inlet port 31 between the patient port and the outlet port, such that flow 34 from the inlet port can go to the patient port or direct to the outlet port, and a flow restriction e.g. 32 between the inlet port and the outlet port, or at the outlet port.

Abstract: A respiratory assisting device comprising of an expandable bag which has a bilayer that can be inflated in order to give the bag a rigid and predetermined shape. The bag can then be compressed in order to displace inspiratory gas that is in the inner cavity and deliver it to the patient. The bag includes a one-way valve that passes through the bilayer allowing the inner cavity of the bag to fill with ambient air when the air within the cavity has been expended. The bag portion is connected to an air-tight hollow wall prism shape enclosure via a T-connector piece. This t-shaped connecting piece allows the air to pass through two manifold chambers that attach to another t-shaped connecting piece.

Abstract: An intelligent bionic expectoration system and a three-way device thereof. The intelligent bionic expectoration system includes a negative pressure suction module, a central processing module, a patient interface unit and a respiratory muscle synchronous motion module. The central processing module controls two valves to open or close, closing one valve while opening another valve, and controls the respiratory muscle synchronous motion module. The patient interface unit is connected to the positive pressure ventilation module and the negative pressure suction module, allowing positive or negative pressure airflow to flow by, depending on which valve is open, so as to allow airflow to flow in or out of the lung. The respiratory muscle synchronous motion module can employ nerve stimulation and mechanical pushing, and acts synchronously as the airflow moves, thereby simulating human coughing and achieves bionic expectoration.

Abstract: Resuscitator devices including inflation control devices and the inflation control valves can prevent an excessive number of breaths per minute during manual resuscitation from being delivered to a patient. The inflation control valves are inlet valves for a resuscitator device having a flexible chamber that extends from a first end to a second end, the second end being configured to attach to an airway adjunct. The valve housing may be configured to be disposed about the first end and to receive air for inflating the flexible chamber, the valve housing being partially disposed within the flexible chamber. The inflation control member may be configured to control inflation rate of the flexible chamber, the inflation control member being disposed within the valve housing and movable with respect to the valve housing.

Abstract: An underwater breathing apparatus includes an elastic interior bag designed to hold air. The interior bag is contained within an outer container, which is designed to hold a weighted material which functions to offset positive buoyancy created by the air in the interior bag. The elasticity of the interior bag, as well as a slider mechanism, functions to provide pressure such that the air is accessible to a human diver while underwater. The apparatus also contains a pump that is used to fill the interior bag with air, and a mouthpiece that functions to allow the user to draw air from the apparatus.

Abstract: A lightweight impeller is provided for use in a pressurized gas source for a CPAP or other breathing assistance apparatus. The impeller can be shroudless or otherwise lightweight.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a medical ventilator including a housing having a plurality of ports including an intervention port disposed and structured to introduce an intervention device into said housing and a patient airway. The plurality of ports also include a ventilator port and an airway port respectively disposed and structured to connect a ventilator and an artificial airway in fluid communication with one another. A valve structure is movably and removably disposed within a valve port and is disposable between open and closed positions. The closed position comprising the intervention port sealed from fluid communication with the housing and a closed ventilator circuit defining fluid communication between the ventilator port and the airway port. The open orientation comprising the intervention port disposed in communicating relation with the airway port concurrent to fluid communication between the ventilator port and the airway port.

Abstract: The function of a respiration system, with a patient port (1) with connected inspiration branch (3) and expiration branch, is checked. A rebreathing line (9) connects the inspiration branch to the expiration branch. A reservoir (25) is connected to a reservoir port (27) in the rebreathing line. An actuatable control valve (29) is provided in the rebreathing line between the expiration branch and the reservoir port. A pressure sensor (33) is connected to the rebreathing line. A control unit (39) is connected to the control valve and to pressure sensor. The process includes closing the control valve for a preset inspiration time and opening it for a preset expiration time. The value sent by the pressure sensor is detected with the control valve opened during the expiration time and compared with a preset first threshold valve. An error message is generated when the value sent exceeds the first threshold value.

Abstract: The Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) device disclosed herein fits at or around the a person's nose, and incorporates at least one bi-resistance air flow cartridge which allows air to enter the nose freely upon inspiration, while it produces a prescribed back pressure against the discharging air from the nose upon expiration. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of detachable bi-resistance air flow cartridges is attached to the underside of a frame, in alignment with two flexible nasal pillows that connect the device to a person's nostrils.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mask-free system and method for inducing anesthesia in a pediatric patient. In a preferred embodiment, calming and then anesthetic gases are administered through a mouthpiece with a distraction device, such as an inflatable bag or balloon or an audible siren whistle. This system avoids the anxieties and trauma of the pediatric patient and their parents that have been associated with mask-based induction methods.

Abstract: A pressure regulating device includes a housing having a gases inlet adapted to in use be in fluid communication or integrated with a breathing assistance apparatus which conveys gases to an infant or a neonate requiring breathing assistance, an outlet adapted to be in use in fluid communication with said infant, and an aperture which enables the venting of a portion of gases that in use are passing through the housing from the inlet to the outlet. A tube inlet on the housing is adapted to receive a surfactant delivery device therethrough to enable administration of surfactant to the infant or neonate. A sealing mechanism seals around the surfactant delivery device and is adapted to normally fluidically seal the tube inlet and in use allow the surfactant delivery device to pass through the tube inlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device, system and method for providing a connector configured for connecting to an artificial airway for use in the treatment of respiratory conditions and in assisted respirations. In an embodiment of the invention, a connector configured for connecting to an artificial airway is provided. The connector configured for connecting to an artificial airway can include an inlet conduit configured to receive supplied respiratory gas, an outlet conduit configured to allow exhaled gas to exit to ambient during use, an artificial airway side conduit configured to couple to an artificial airway and a restrictor coupled with the outlet conduit. The restrictor coupled with the outlet conduit can be an outflow variable restrictor. The connector further can include a reducer coupled with the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A method for regulating gas flows into and out of a patient includes repetitively forcing respiratory gases out of the lungs. Respiratory gases are prevented from entering back into the lungs during a time between when respiratory gases are forced out of the lungs. Periodically, an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the lungs.

Abstract: This patent relates to devices that can be manipulated by a user to expel or draw in a material. In one example, a hand-operable vacuum device can include an interface portion configured to contact a material. The hand-operable vacuum device can also include a deformable portion that extends along an axis that passes through the interface portion and wherein the deformable portion includes at least one longitudinally-oriented resilient structure that extends generally parallel to the axis.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface adapted in use to face the patient. A cushion having a side wall is removably attachable to the frame. The cushion has a rim extending away from the side wall, and a membrane provided to substantially surround the rim. An inner edge of the membrane defines an aperture, the aperture having a generally trapezoidal shape.