Abstract: Canisters are provided that include a cylindrical body and a cap welded to the body to define a cavity filled with carbon dioxide or other fluid. The canisters may be loaded into a medical device, e.g., to provide an energy source for operating the device. Methods for making such canisters are also provided.

Abstract: A method for performing a medical procedure requiring effective, reliable and foolproof delivery of controlled amounts of a medical grade gas to a patient includes providing a compressed gas cylinder having a weight with medical grade gas sealed therein of at least twelve grams and not greater than fifty grams. The method also includes connecting the compressed gas cylinder to an integrated compressed gas unit including a regulator valve assembly positioned between an outlet port and an inlet port, wherein the regulator valve assembly includes a press button actuator and regulator adjustment dial. A flow control system is secured to the compressed gas unit and the medical grade gas is delivered in precisely controlled amounts by actuating the compressed gas unit and operating the flow control system to deliver the medical grade gas to vasculature of the patient.

Abstract: Adapters for refilling an aerosol delivery device are provided. The adapters comprise a body having a container-side end and an opposing, device-side end that are sealably connectable with respectively a container of aerosol precursor composition and an aerosol delivery device having a refillable reservoir. The body defines a passageway between the ends for transfer of aerosol precursor composition from the container into the refillable reservoir. In one adapter, the container-side end is configured to engage a valve of the container during refilling of the reservoir, and thereby defines separate and distinct filling and mating ports. In another adapter, the device-side end includes a valve configured to engage the aerosol delivery device during refilling of the reservoir in which the airflow port of the aerosol delivery device is closed by the valve to prevent the aerosol precursor composition from passing through the airflow port.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device having a check valve therein for use with refilling the aerosol delivery device is provided. The aerosol delivery device may comprise at least one housing defining a refillable reservoir for storing an aerosol precursor composition, and a heating element contained within the at least one housing and configured to activate and vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition. A connector may be coupled to the at least one housing and sealably connectable with a container of aerosol precursor composition for refilling the reservoir. The connector may include a check valve configured to enable only a one-way flow of aerosol precursor composition from the container into the reservoir when the connector is sealably connected with the container.

Abstract: A miniature breathing device for underwater breathing that can be worn on a person during water activities. A small form factor and lightweight housing suitable for submerging in shallow water. The small form factor preventing disruption of activities of a user undertaken while wearing the miniature breathing device. A canister within the housing stores a mixture of compressed air. An actuator on the housing to controllably releases the compressed air from the canister. A regulator piston within the housing is shaped with chambers to decompress the compressed air to breathable form. A mouthpiece opening of the housing provides breathable air to lips of a user. A strap secures the miniature breathing device to the user during activities.

Abstract: An apparatus that stores air for underwater use in an emergency. The device includes an air and water impermeable reservoir having reinforcing ribs each with a hole to allow air flow within the reservoir. The reservoir is filled with air through a mouthpiece via an air pump. The mouthpiece is fluidly connected to the reservoir with an air transfer channel to allow a user to take several breaths of air when underwater.

Abstract: An inhaler is disclosed. It comprises a housing to receive a strip having a surface and a plurality of blister pockets depending from said surface. Each blister pocket contains a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user. The inhaler has a blister strip drive mechanism including a blister strip drive member shaped to contact the strip along a line defined by the crease between a blister pocket and said surface, to drive said strip.

Abstract: An emergency oxygen system for aircraft passengers includes a hermetically welded sealed oxygen cylinder of stainless steel, a welded metal diaphragm sealing a discharge port and an extended hermetically sealed capillary tube for charging the cylinder with pressurized oxygen. A hollow piston cutter is driven to pierce the metal diaphragm as part of a first passageway delivering oxygen to the passenger. A second passageway delivers any leaking oxygen to a release port when the piston cutter is in position. A method of filling the cylinder includes welding to the cylinder a member having a metal diaphragm of a predetermined rupturable characteristic and using the open capillary tube to fill oxygen in the cylinder and subsequently crimping a portion of the capillary tube to provide a hermetic seal. A pressure gauge can be hermetically sealed to the bottom of the oxygen cylinder.

Abstract: An aircraft lavatory oxygen source includes an oxygen storage vessel having a manifold, and an actuator configured to break a pressure seal of the oxygen storage vessel to initiate a flow of oxygen. A flow path in the manifold includes one or more oxygen flow rate control orifices, and may include a variable orifice to control oxygen flow rate and pressure through an outlet of the manifold. The outlet includes a swivel connector fitting that rotates 360 degrees, and one or more oxygen distribution tubes connected with one or more removably attachable connectors, directly to the outlet, between portions of the tube, or to a breathing mask. The actuator can include a spring loaded mechanism, a pyrotechnic mechanism, an electrically powered solenoid or a pneumatic pressure initiated device.

Abstract: An inhaler (1) device for inhalation of a medicament from a pierceable capsule (10) comprises a housing (2) for receiving a medicament, capsule, closure means (3) for closing the housing, said closure means being moveable relative to the housing; piercing means (7) suitable for piercing a medicament capsule; wherein movement of the closure means relative to the housing causes movement of the piercing means, and wherein the device comprises an air inlet (71) and an air outlet (72) defining an inhalation passage therebetween, the passage comprising one or more vents (70).

Abstract: An inhaler device (1) for powdered medicaments. The device (1) has a body (5) that has a recess (50) for holding a capsule containing a powdered medicament to be inhaled, at least one air passage (90) that is tangentially disposed to the recess (50) , and a mouthpiece (30) that includes a coaxially disposed inhalation passage (70) that communicates with the recess (50) of the body (5). The body (5) has a pair of opposed spring (105) biased push-buttons (40) that each include at least one piercing element (95) for piercing the capsule when loaded in the recess (50). The medicament is released from the pierced capsule when air is drawn through the air passage(s) (90) into the recess (50) and swirled about therein. The mouthpiece (30) is pivotally attached to the edge of the body (5) so that it is pivotable between an open loading position and a closed dispensing position about an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler (1).

Abstract: A dry powder inhalation system suitable for transpulmonary administration characterized by using a combination of: (1) A vessel housing a freeze-dried composition that contains a single dose of an active ingredient, and has: (i) a non-powder cake-like form, (ii) a disintegration index of 0.015 or more, and (iii) a property of becoming fine particles having a mean particle diameter of 10 microns or less or a fine particle fraction of 10% or more upon receipt of an air impact having an air speed of at least 1 m/sec and an air flow rate of at least 17 ml/sec; and (2) A device capable of applying said air impact to the freeze-dried composition in said vessel and for discharging the powder-form freeze-dried composition that has been made into fine particles.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for holding compressed medical gas includes a substantially cylindrical canister. The canister is delivered by an elongate cylindrical body that is tapered to a reduced diameter end portion having a discharge port or opening formed therein. The discharge port is covered by a pierceable tip that seals the canister to hold compressed medical gas with an interior chamber of the canister. The tip is selectively punctured to discharge the medical gas through the opening for use in a medical procedure.

Abstract: A conventional respiratory nebulizer has an emergency medication dose storage system delivering the stored medication dose directly to the nebulizing chamber with a single impulse of force to a simple mechanical delivery system, thereby making the nebulizer useable in two steps: (a) opening the medication capsule with a simple opening action; and (b) inhaling the nebulized medication. The delivery system includes a plunger assembly having a pair of converging blades coming to a point for piercing a medication capsule held within a docking chamber adjacent to a nebulizing mixing chamber and a hollow needle connected to an air power source directing air through said needle, to force liquid medication from said pierced medication capsule into said nebulizing mixing chamber of said nebulizer.

Abstract: A portable apparatus is provided which generates high purity breathable oxygen. The oxygen is produced in a reaction chamber from the reaction between an oxygen generating composition and a water/catalyst solution. The reaction chamber comprises a first compartment containing an oxygen peroxide adduct and a temperature stabilizing material formulated into controlled release tablets and a second sealed compartment containing a catalyst dispersed in an aqueous solution. The temperature stabilizing material undergoes an endothermic reaction upon dissolution in the solution. The tablets dissolve in the solution releasing hydrogen peroxide at a constant rate. The hydrogen peroxide is further decomposed into oxygen and water from contact with the catalyst. A first membrane made from a hydrophobic and gas permeable material, lets oxygen through while containing the reaction materials.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus is operable in self-contained and filtered modes of operation. In the self-contained mode of operation, a breathable gas is delivered to a user from a self-contained source of breathing gas. In a second, filtered mode of operation, a suction source draws ambient air through a filter removing contaminants and delivers filtered ambient air to the user. A method of delivering air to a subject is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including at least one individual reservoir (21) containing a single dose of fluid, such as powder, opening means (40) being provided for opening an individual reservoir (21) each time the device is actuated, the device including a dispenser chamber (70) for receiving the dose of fluid contained in a reservoir (21) after said reservoir has been opened, an inhalation endpiece (15), and an inhalation trigger system that comprises a deformable air-chamber (61) that co-operates with said dispenser chamber (70), said dispenser chamber being displaceable between a rest position and an inhalation position, such that during inhalation through said inhalation endpiece (15), said air chamber (61) is deformed, thereby displacing said dispenser chamber from said rest position to said inhalation position.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers include: (a) a first generally planar spiral travel path in an inhaler body, wherein the first spiral travel path has a plurality of adjacent curvilinear channels forming lanes with upstanding sidewalls, including an inner lane and an outer lane; and (b) a plurality of discrete sealed microcartridges with substantially rigid bodies disposed in the first travel path, each comprising a pre-metered (typically dose) amount of dry powder, the microcartridges being configured to slidably advance along the first travel path toward an inhalation chamber that merges into an inhalation output port. In operation, at least one microcartridge is held in the inhalation chamber to release the dry powder therein during inhalation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder inhaler (1) with mouthpiece (2) for dispersing pharmaceutical medicament formulations, which comprises an auxiliary energy source in the form of a pressure medium system (3), having a device for supplying (6) a powder formulation (7), while on activation of the pressure medium system a gaseous pressure medium (8) released by the pressure medium system (3) forms an aerosol (9) with the powder formulation (7) such that the powder particles are present in the gaseous pressure medium (8) in dispersed form. This is achieved by means of a powder inhaler (1) comprising a multi-channel nozzle, the channels of which are inclined to one another at an angle such that the aerosol jets flowing through them meet one another downstream behind the nozzle (10).

Abstract: A delivery device for and method of delivering substance, the delivery device comprising: a delivery outlet (7) from which substance (S) is in use delivered; a gas chamber (17) containing a gas and being of reducible volume, wherein a reduction in the volume of the gas chamber (17) to a predeterminable volume acts to pressurize the contained gas to a predeterminable pressure; a seal element (11) disposed between the gas chamber (17) and the delivery outlet (7); and an opening mechanism configured, on reduction of the volume of the gas chamber to a predeterminable volume, to open the seal element (11), whereupon a gas flow from the gas chamber (17) acts to deliver substance (S) from the delivery outlet (7).

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including at least one individual reservoir (21) containing a single dose of fluid, such as powder, opening means (40) being provided for opening an individual reservoir (21) each time the device is actuated, the device including a dispenser chamber (70) for receiving the dose of fluid contained in a reservoir (21) after said reservoir has been opened, an inhalation endpiece (15), and an inhalation trigger system that comprises a deformable air-chamber (61) that co-operates with said dispenser chamber (70), said dispenser chamber being displaceable between a rest position and an inhalation position, such that during inhalation through said inhalation endpiece (15), said air chamber (61) is deformed, thereby displacing said dispenser chamber from said rest position to said inhalation position.

Abstract: There is provided a medicament dispenser for use with a medicament carrier having a plurality of pockets for containing medicament wherein said pockets are spaced along the length of and defined between two peelable sheets secured to each other, said dispenser having an internal mechanism for accessing said medicament contained within said medicament carrier. The internal mechanism comprises a carrier drive means; indexing means and clutch means, in communication therebetween. The clutch means comprises a gearing surface defining plural gear engagement positions; and plural gear teeth for engaging said plural gear engagement positions. The plural gear teeth are arranged such that at any one time only a single gear tooth engages a single gear engagement position.

Abstract: A device for the controlled inhalation of therapeutic aerosols comprises means providing individual patient parameters and/or aerosol parameters for the inhalation. The aerosol doses, such as the tidal volume and the respiratory flow, are individually adjusted on the basis of these individual parameters. Thus, the inhalation device may be individually adjusted to the patient to be treated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for respiratory drug delivery using cartridge containing drug and propellant. User inserts cartridge into body of apparatus and activates a mechanism for opening drug compartment and propellant compartment, resulting in mixing and de-agglomeration of drug for respiratory delivery.

Abstract: An inhalation device for transpulmonary administration comprises: a chamber (16) for containing a pharmaceutical composition which is pulverized into fine particles by an air-generated impact for dispersal in air; an air inlet flow path (2) for introducing to the chamber (16) outside air to apply the air-generated impact to the pharmaceutical composition and for injecting the outside air toward the pharmaceutical composition; an inhalation flow path (1) for inhaling the pulverized pharmaceutical composition; a housing (9) for accommodating the chamber (16), the air inlet flow path (2), and the inhalation flow path (1); a mouthpiece (10) provided at one end of the housing (9), the mouthpiece (9) being provided with a mouth-side flow path (11) which communicates with the inhalation flow path (1), and an auxiliary flow path (12).

Abstract: An emergency oxygen system includes: a pressure vessel containing pressurized oxygen; a rupturable seal that confines the oxygen within the vessel until the seal is ruptured; and a valve assembly for controlling the oxygen release and delivery to an aircraft passenger. The valve assembly includes: a valve body with an oxygen outlet connected to the pressure vessel; and a threaded poppet mounted within the valve body whose first end is a pierce point in contact with the seal. The system further includes a pulley that is rotatably connected to the valve body and engages the second end of the poppet; a cable attached to the pulley to effect its rotation; and an oxygen breathing mask connected to the oxygen outlet. Actuation of the cable causes the pulley to rotate and the threaded poppet to move laterally towards the seal, which results in rupture of the seal and allows oxygen to flow through the oxygen outlet to the mask.

Abstract: An aerosolization apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet, wherein the chamber is sized to receive a capsule containing a pharmaceutical formulation. A puncturing member is moveable within the chamber to contact the capsule and to provide an opening in the capsule, and a feedback mechanism provides an indication, such as a tactile indication, to a user when the puncturing member has been moved to a position where it provides the opening into the capsule. When air flows through the inlet, the pharmaceutical formulation is aerosolized and the aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation is delivered through the outlet.

Abstract: Methods for administering medical gases are disclosed including providing the medical gas in compressed gas cartridges containing an amount of the medical gas preferably corresponding substantially to a unit dose of the medical gas and providing a patient with means to access the medical gas from the gas cartridge upon need therefor. Apparatus for administering medical gases is also disclosed including a housing, a cassette associated with the housing containing at least one compressed gas cartridge preferably containing at least an amount of the medical gas substantially as required for a single dose and a patient supply interface to provide the medical gas to the patient.

Abstract: The invention is a portable, non-pressurized oxygen generation device. A first chamber holds an oxygen liberating chemical, and a catalyst from a second chamber begins the oxygen liberating reaction when the two chemicals mix. The chemicals are pre-measured, and oxygen generation can begin within seconds of activation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for respiratory drug delivery using cartridge containing drug and propellant. User inserts cartridge into body of apparatus and activates piercing trigger to pierce drug compartment and propellant compartment, resulting in mixing and de-agglomeration of drug for respiratory delivery.

Abstract: Control valve (10) for a user-donnable breathing device selectively switches from a normal breathing oxygen source to a pressurized emergency bottle. A valve body (12) has a normal oxygen source inlet and also an emergency source inlet for oxygen flow to the user of the device when donned. A poppet (30) permits normal source oxygen flow into the valve body (12), normally keeping a piston (32) in a spring-biased cocked position spaced from a seal of the emergency bottle. A user-operated release permits the poppet to move to a position for blocking the normal source inlet but allowing the piston to become uncocked and so be driven by spring force to pierce the emergency bottle seal. Only emergency breathing oxygen from the bottle then flows to the user for emergency breathing. The device can be an escape hood for an aircraft passenger.

Abstract: An apparatus meant for human use to supplement breathing while at high altitude in aircraft for emergency use. The apparatus includes a valve as an actuator to discharge oxygen into an attached facemask. A small cylinder containing oxygen under pressure is inserted and attached to the valve. Once assembled, the invention is stored in aircraft to be available for instant use. If a cabin depressurization emergency should occur, an occupant may access oxygen immediately by pressing a valve lever to start the flow of oxygen. By adjusting a knob located on the valve lever the user may control the flow of oxygen and extend oxygen use to allow time for evasive action.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for aerosolizing a pharmaceutical formulation. According to one method, respiratory gases are prevented from flowing to the lungs when attempting to inhale. Then, respiratory gases are abruptly permitted to flow to the lungs. The flow of respiratory gases may then be used to extract a pharmaceutical formulation from a receptacle and to place the pharmaceutical formulation within the flow of respiratory gases to form an aerosol.

Abstract: A device for releasing a gas to a respirator with a compressed gas cylinder (2), which contains the gas and has a metering valve (6). The metering valve (6) can be opened by pressure. The metering valve (6) has a tubular valve body (7) letting through the gas and has a collar (5) surrounding the valve body (7). A cylinder adapter has a locking mechanism (16) designed for fastening to the collar (5). The cylinder adapter (1) always remains associated with the corresponding compressed gas cylinder (2). This is accomplished by a predetermined breaking point with reduced strength properties being provided on the cylinder adapter (1). The breaking point is intended to destroy the locking mechanism (16) during the removal of the cylinder adapter (1) from the collar (5).

Abstract: A breathing apparatus and method therefor having a frame capable of carrying a primary air storage tank and an emergency air storage tank, where the emergency air storage tank can either be released from the frame to replace a disabled person's tank, or the emergency air storage tank can remain on the frame and be coupled to a disabled person's face-mask by a hose thus allowing a rescuer to have both hands free in order to carry or drag a disabled person to safety

Abstract: A differential Fick technique including a first phase in which baseline breathing parameters may be established and a second phase in which a change in the effective ventilation of a patient is induced. The durations of the first and second phases may be substantially the same, and may be abbreviated relative to the durations of comparable phases of previously known differential Fick techniques. The disclosed differential Fick technique also lacks a recovery period in which the respiratory parameters of a patient are permitted to return to “normal” levels.

Abstract: A medicament respiratory delivery device including a housing formed of opposed thermoformed polymeric sheets bonded together having formed therebetween a chamber having a medicament cartridge encapsulated between the sheets, an inlet aligned with a passage through the cartridge having a pierceable closure and an outlet aligned with the passage outlet having a burstable membrane. The device includes a pressure actuator formed as a blister between the sheets and a piercing element having a bow-shaped actuator portion and a shaft which pierces the pierceable closure upon actuation of the pressure actuator, delivering fluid under pressure to the cartridge passage, rupturing the membrane and expressing the medicament.

Abstract: An inhalant medicator comprises a medicator body having a granular medicine accommodation chamber and an inhalant port, and air passageways disposed in the medicator body and communicating the inhalant port via the granular medicine accommodation chamber to the atmosphere for supplying granular medicines into the inhalant port. Also provided is a granular medicine diffusion means located downstream of the granular medicine accommodation chamber for efficiently diffusing the granular medicines. A cylindrical adapter 10 is detachably installed in the inhalant port 9.

Abstract: A handy oxygen generator containing an oxygen generating agent which reacts with water to evolve oxygen can arbitrarily supply plenty of oxygen under all circumstances at any time. The oxygen generator can be efficiently used particularly in life-threatening emergencies such as a fire and other accidents or when climbing a mountain or playing a sport. The oxygen generator may be formed of a sealed container partitioned into two chambers separately containing water and the oxygen generating agent, so that the separately contained oxygen generating agent and water can be mixed to react with each other by easily breaking the partition with an external pressure force. The oxygen generator containing beforehand the water along with the oxygen generating agent is very convenient to carry because it has no need of procuring water.

Abstract: An emergency breathing device including a hood having use and storage configurations, which when compactly wrapped proximate to an oxygen control device for storage is recoverable for use. In use configuration, the hood is capable of being worn upon a user's head, which substantially surrounds the user's head. Hood surface beneath the user's head includes an opening lined with elastic material, which forms a seal about the user's neck at the opening when the hood is donned. An oxygen control device connected to a hood includes a valve body, an actuator, and an oxygen bottle. The valve body provides airflow communication with the interior of the hood, and the oxygen control device is connected to a plumbed breathable oxygen supply through a plumbed source disconnect means removably connected to the valve body. When connected, the oxygen control device permits airflow from the plumbed breathable oxygen supply and valve body to the interior of the hood.