Abstract: A process and a device are provided for separating carbon dioxide from a breathing gas mixture by means of a “Fixed Site Carrier” membrane. The breathing gas mixture is guided in the device on a side of a selective, semipermeable membrane, which is provided with amine groups, which are bound covalently to a polymer. Through the membrane, the transport of the components of the gas mixture can take place. The membrane is selected to be such that the permeability for CO2 is substantially higher than the permeability for the other gas components of the breathing gas mixture. The membrane has or is associated with means for guiding the gas, which acts to guide the gas mixture on one side along the membrane. The membrane separates volume areas in which different CO2 partial pressures prevail from one another.

Abstract: A method of processing carbon dioxide adsorbent for use in a CO2 removal system. The method includes combining a polymer, lithium hydroxide (LiOH), and lubricant that dissolves the polymer to form a first LiOH adsorbent. A structure may be formed using the first LiOH adsorbent. The lubricant may be extracted from the structured LiOH adsorbent using a solvent to form a second LiOH adsorbent. The solvent may be removed from the second LiOH adsorbent to form a third LiOH adsorbent. The third LiOH adsorbent may be hydrated to form a fourth LiOH adsorbent having a water content above an anhydrous level.

Abstract: A CO2 removal system including a member having a first opening and a second opening to enable air flow containing carbon dioxide (CO2) to pass from the first opening to the second opening and lithium hydroxide (LiOH) supported by the member and having an initial water content above an anhydrous level. In one embodiment, LiOH adsorbent density is a maximum of approximately 1.0 g/cm3.

Abstract: A breathing bag, mask and/or tube of an anesthesia breathing circuit having printed thereon one or more of characters, stimuli, images, reflective surfaces, activity panels, puzzles, trivia, pleasing colors, decorative features and/or other calming and friendly items or indicia is disclosed. The enhancements may be visible by the patient prior, during and/or after the surgical procedure. The invention may also include any other item which enhances or supplements medical equipment such that the equipment is much more pleasing to a child during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A detector that monitors the presence of halogenated agents and the presence of N2O includes a base to which a filter cannister is removably coupled. The cannister has an input for accepting exhalent from a patient or an anesthesia machine and an outlet for outputting the filtered exhalent as gases to the base. The filtered gases are routed a gas measurement or monitor cell housed in the base. The cell has a halogenated agents sensing system and a N2O sensing system. When the filter material in the filter cannister could no longer filter out the halogenated agents, the agents are passed from the filter to the measuring cell, which would detect the presence of the halogenated agents. An audible alarm sounds when halogenated agents are detected. This tells the user that it is time to replace the filter cannister.

Abstract: Arrangement in connection with a patient circuit and an absorber means. The arrangement comprises an information transfer means and an electronic means and a transponder electronically programmed with desired information. The transponder is attached to the absorber means. The information transfer means is arranged to communicate with the transponder, and the electronic means is arranged to carry out desired procedures from the basis of the information obtained from the anaesthesia/ventilation system and via the information transfer means from the transponder attached to the absorber means.

Abstract: A tube for use in an anesthetic system has an essentially cylindrical housing. More effective take-up of carbon dioxide is achieved by an absorbent for carbon dioxide that is arranged within the tube.

Abstract: A gas delivery, evacuation and respiratory monitoring system comprises a face mask having an inflow flapper valve and a fresh-gas inflow tube and an exhaust-gas outflow tube and a gas sampling tube, a fresh gas source and an exhaust-gas scavenging system, a fresh gas supply tube operative coupling the fresh gas source and the face mask, an exhaust-gas hose operatively coupling the scavenging system and exhaust-gas outflow tube, a carbon-dioxide monitoring device, also known as a capnograph and a carbon-dioxide sampling tube operative coupling the capnograph and the mask.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable face protector for protecting a human being from poisonous gas and securing visibility, which can be used in an emergency such as a fire, etc. The face protector comprises a visibility securing member having a transparent window, for tightly covering a face around eyes of a user; and a cloth member for tightly covering the face around a mouth and a nose of the user so as to filter poisonous gas in an emergency. Therefore, the face protector can be facilely carried and rapidly used in an emergency such as a fire, etc., so as to protect a human lift from the poisonous gas and safely escape from a critical region.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide (CO2) sorbent system for removing CO2 from a recirculating inhalation therapy system includes several sorbent layers within a housing defining an inlet and an outlet. Airflow passages sandwiched between CO2 sorbent layers allow airflow from the inhalation therapy system through the CO2 sorbent assembly. The recirculating inhalation therapy system controls the amount of CO2 within the system without removing aerosol medication contained within the breathable air stream.

Abstract: A device for the dosing of a dry additive gas into a breathing gas in a ventilator system, the ventilator system including a tubing system connectable by at a distal end to a patient, and has a dosing tube connectable to the tubing system for dosing to the distal end of the tubing system. The dosing tube is composed of a tube section having a moisture permeable contact surface, adapted to interact with moisture from exhaled breathing gas, so the dry additive gas is humidified before dosing to the distal end of the tubing system.

Abstract: A device and method of ventilating a patient reduces the bias flow relative to existing oscillatory ventilators. The device has a gas flow circuit including an oscillating line, a patient line and an exhalation or a return line. A gas supply line and an outlet valve are in pneumatic communication with the gas flow circuit. One or more CO2 scrubbers and one or more check valves are provided in the circuit. A method of ventilating using such a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Breathing equipment with a circuit for breathing gas and with a flat calcium hydroxide absorber (1) is cooled by an evaporating agent with improved cooling. A gas volume flow of at least 60 L per minute is admitted to the outer surface (14) of the calcium hydroxide absorber (1) receiving the evaporating agent by at least one gas delivery device (5). The evaporating agent is delivered to the outer surface (14) of the calcium hydroxide absorber (1) by an admitted pressure from an evaporating agent reservoir (10) via at least one connection line (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fully closed circuit-pendulum-storage system wherein a given amount of a ready to breathe gas mixture made of various inert gases including hydrogen and oxygen is continuously conveyed between two highly pressurized gas containers. Initially, the required breathing gas leaves the pressurized gas container and reaches the circuit at a constant dosage according to the overdosing principle. The circuit consists of an inhalation bag, a diving helmet, an exhalation bag and a single or double pack CO2 absorption filter. At a depth of 0-100 m a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen and helium is used as a breathing gas. At a depth of 100-700 m a given amount of hydrogen is mixed therewith according to the wishes of the diver, whereby the oxygen content should not exceed 3 vol. %. When the diver emerges from a depth of over 100 m, the hydrogen is removed from the breathing gas and from the circuit by means of palladium membrane diffusion or catalytic water conversion.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus (10) including a mouthpiece (13) and a carbon dioxide removal area (18) disposed between the mouthpiece and an air reservoir chamber (19). The chamber is preferably filled with a foam material (27) and is further in communication with ambient air (29) to enable mixing with expired air within the chamber (19). The breathing apparatus (10) is useful for simulating the lower partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude, hence it may be used by athletes for simulating “living at altitude”.

Abstract: A device for exchanging gas volumes in an anesthetic system has an inlet, an outlet, a first chamber arranged between the inlet and the outlet, a second chamber arranged between the inlet and the outlet, a switching valve for selective connection to the first chamber or the second chamber for forming a flow path between the inlet and the outlet, and a controller for controlling the switching valve.

Abstract: An intubation method and system including the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient airway, inflating an cuff associated with the endotracheal tube at a location in the patient airway below the vocal cords, monitoring carbon dioxide concentration in the patient airway at a carbon dioxide monitoring location between the cuff and the vocal cords and adjusting inflation of the cuff based at least in part on the monitoring in order that the cuff inflation generally prevents leakage of carbon dioxide past the cuff.

Abstract: A portable method and apparatus for allowing an individual to pre-adjust at sea level for future high altitudes is taught. The invention teaches the use of a small portable breathing gas control system to adjust the gas concentrations going to a subject's face mask.

Abstract: Self-contained underwater re-breathing apparatus having a breathing circuit, an injection system for adding fresh breathable gas to the breathing circuit, and an automatic control system including a microcomputer for monitoring physical parameters in the breathing circuit and controlling the feeding of breathable gas to the breathing circuit in accordance with said physical parameters. The re-breathing apparatus has a bailout system automatically activated in an emergency, where the breathing circuit is shut off, and the diver starts inhaling directly from the breathable gas supply and exaling to the environment. With the system of the invention, a part of the existing closed circuit is used for bailout, and no separate bailout circuit is provided. Therefore, there is no need to incorporate in the mouthpiece means for switching from one breathing circuit to another, and the mouthpiece can be kept smaller and simpler.

Abstract: A life support system has a semi-closed rebreather supplying oxygen for multiple users, such as high altitude parachutists. A first tank supplies oxygen to initially purge the system, and a second, larger tank supplies oxygen at prescribed amounts for the duration of a mission. Users are connected by hoses to an inlet hose manifold on a scrubber body of the rebreather. The inlet hose manifold has an inlet port boss to receive exhaled gas from each user and an overpressure valve vents excessive amounts of exhaled gas. A CO2 absorbent in the scrubber body scrubs CO2 from the exhaled gas. An outlet hose manifold is connected to the scrubber body and has an inlet fitting to supply oxygen and at least one outlet port boss to feed the oxygen and the CO2 scrubbed gas to the users. This reliable system is lighter-weight and smaller than contemporary systems.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for filtering airborne biological and/or chemical agents from air for breathing, comprises an outer hood adapted to seal with and encompass at least the head and neck of a wearer from ambient atmosphere, at least one transparent lens attached to the outer hood for providing visual sight to the wearer, at least one filter assembly attached to the outer hood, the filter assembly adapted for filtering airborne biological and/or chemical agents from air passing therethrough, an airflow regulator located in the outer hood, the airflow regulator including an outlet adapted for expelling exhaled air to ambient, and an inlet adapted for drawing air thereinto, and air conveying means located in the outer hood for conveying air filtered through the filter assembly from ambient to the inside surface of the transparent lens for drawing into the airflow regulator inlet.

Abstract: A tube for use in an anesthetic system has an essentially cylindrical housing. More effective take-up of carbon dioxide is achieved by an absorbent for carbon dioxide that is arranged within the tube.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide (CO2) sorbent system for removing CO2 from a recirculating inhalation therapy system includes several sorbent layers within a housing defining an inlet and an outlet. Airflow passages sandwiched between CO2 sorbent layers allow airflow from the inhalation therapy system through the CO2 sorbent assembly. The recirculating inhalation therapy system controls the amount of CO2 within the system without removing aerosol medication contained within the breathable air stream.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gas sampling system for conducting respiratory gases from a patient respiratory gas output mechanism to a respiratory gas monitoring device. The respiratory gas monitoring device is equipped with a monitor input connector. The gas sampling system includes an input connector configured to couple the gas sampling system to the patient respiratory gas output mechanism. A gas sampling tube is coupled to the input connector. The gas sampling tube is configured to conduct the respiratory gases from the patient to the gas monitoring device. An output connector couples the gas sampling tube to the monitor input connector. An output dryer tube is coupled between the gas sampling tube and the output connector. The output dryer tube is characterized by a tube length and a relative moisture removal efficiency. The relative moisture removal efficiency is dependent on the tube length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting humans against hazardous particulate agents such as biological or chemical agents. A special porous cloth contains activated carbon threads that is used as a quick escape mask to cover the mouth and/or nose of a person to protect the person from inhaling hazardous particulates. This simple cloth mask may be designed for short-term emergency respiratory protection and can be particularly convenient for use by people who are in relatively public, enclosed areas (such as in restaurants, bars, or hotel rooms) and who might need to evacuate those areas in a short period of time. The cloth may also be used in other applications, for example, as a tent liner, as a liner for military uniforms or diving suits, or as a water or air filtration device. In addition to protection from hazardous agents, the cloth may sometimes additionally filter out bad odors.

Abstract: A rechargeable breathing apparatus is disclosed including a closed breathing system for receiving exhaled air containing a CO2 adsorber for the inhaled air, a breathing bellows for receiving the inhaled air and delivery of the breathing air, and an oxygen accumulator connected to the breathing bellows and containing a reversably oxygen fixating agent and being rechargeable by bringing that agent into reaction with oxygen or air so that oxygen is fixated thereto. In one apparatus there is included a pressurized gas container and a hydrostatic valve for cooperation between the breathing bellows and the pressurized gas container.

Abstract: A moisture sump integrated into a carbon dioxide absorber canister provides a collection reservoir for condensate from a patient ventilator system when the carbon dioxide absorber canister is attached to the ventilator system. The volume of the moisture sump is appropriately sized so that the time interval required to collect a maximum amount of condensate interval is not more than the life expectancy of the carbon dioxide absorbing material contained within the canister. The moisture sump allows condensate management of difficult to drain areas such as the inlet to the expiratory check valve of a ventilator system. The removal of the carbon dioxide absorber canister by a patient attendee to replace the carbon dioxide absorbing material ensures that the condensate collected by the integral moisture sump is eliminated from the patient ventilator system.

Abstract: A filter for a respiratory circuit has a housing with an inlet port and an outlet port for connection to respective breathing tubes. A gases space lies between the inlet and outlet ports and gases pass across the gases space from the inlet port to the outlet port in use. A filter media spans the gases space, dividing the gases space into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. Gases passing from the inlet port to the outlet port pass through the filter media. A surrounding outer wall surrounds the housing apart from the inlet port and outlet port and is spaced from the wall of the housing. One or more air pockets are created between the outer wall and the housing. The air pockets insulate the housing from ambient conditions.

Abstract: Personal Air Filtering Device with a face mask comprised of nonporous material, the face mask held onto the user's head by standard elastic straps, the face mask having a flexible gasket about its perimeter to provide an airtight seal between the mask and the user's face, the face mask having a check valve that lets exhaled air out of the mask but does not let unfiltered air into the mask, a flexible tube that enters the face mask at one end and enters an air filtering assembly on the opposite end, said air filtering assembly enclosed in a housing, said housing having an air intake opening, and said air filtering assembly including an air moving device such as a fan or pump, a carbon filter cartridge, a particulate matter filter, a battery power supply, and an on-off switch. A preferred embodiment includes said flexible tube held onto the user's clothing by a neck clip.

Abstract: A device and method of ventilating a patient reduces the bias flow relative to existing oscillatory ventilators. The device has a gas flow circuit comprising an oscillating line, a patient line and an exhalation or a return line. A gas supply line is and an outlet valve are in pneumatic communication with the gas flow circuit. One or more CO2 scrubbers and one or more check valves are provided in the circuit. A method of ventilating using such a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method of ventilating a patient reduces the bias flow relative to existing oscillatory ventilators. The device has an oscillator, and an oscillating line having a first end in sealing relationship with the oscillator. A gas supply line is connected to the oscillating line, and a patient line is connected to a second end of the oscillating line. An outlet valve is in pneumatic communication with the patient line. A method of ventilating using such a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A simple, lightweight, easily deployable mask designed for use in modern fires. The mask substantially covers a wearer's face and includes a peripheral adhesive seal for preventing contaminants from effecting the wearer's visual or respiratory systems. The peripheral seal preferably comprises an adhesive band employing the skin adhesive commonly used in surgical masks. The adhesive band provides for closed attachment of the mask to the brow, the temporal area, cheek, over the jaw and down under the chin. The mask is anchored firmly to the ears of the wearer by resilient straps. Thus attached, the mask seals the eyes, nasal passages and mouth from the toxic external environment. The mask includes an intermediate seal separating the mask into separate visual and respiratory portions.

Abstract: The gas mixture is fed in a circulating stream at a volume flow rate of 3-120 l/min, the mixture being cleaned and its temperature and qualitative and quantitative composition regulated. The gas mixture contains oxygen and at least one of the following gases in quantities of up to 95%: helium, argon, neon, krypton, xenon, radon, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, or a mixture of these gases. Pharmaceutical preparations can also be introduced into the breathing mixture, and the level of inhaled carbon dioxide can be adjusted with the aid of the exhaled carbon dioxide. The apparatus has a circulation loop comprising connecting pipes, a respirator bag, flow booster, temperature regulator, and at least one absorption unit for absorbing the carbon dioxide, moisture, and harmful trace contamination exhaled by the patient.

Abstract: A breathing circuit system for ventilating an anaesthetized patient. The system comprises a standard primary circle anaesthetic circuit which itself comprises a one-way inspiratory limb for delivering re-breathed gas and a one-way expiratory limb for accepting expired gas. The breathing circuit system also includes a supplementary respiratory circuit which solely supplies non-rebreathed gas and comprises a source of non-rebreathed, substantially carbon dioxide-free gas, a non-recreated fresh gas reservoir for storing fresh gas, a source of non-rebreathed reserve gas containing carbon dioxide, and a gas delivery conduit. Disposed in communication with the inspiratory limb is a non-re-breathing valve, while disposed in communication with both the inspiratory limb and the delivery conduit is a three-way respiratory valve for selectively permitting passage of gas from the inspiratory limb or from the delivery conduit.

Abstract: A compliant artificial lung for extrapulmonary gas transfer comprises a membrane oxygenator adapted to be disposed within a flexible housing or bladder. The bladder defines a hollow chamber for receiving blood introduced via a blood inlet nozzle. The membrane oxygenator comprises a bundle of microporous or non-porous, hollow fibers adapted to transport an oxygen-rich gas. Venous (unoxygenated) blood is introduced into the bladder through the blood inlet nozzle and flows through spaces between (and across the surfaces of) the various fibers comprising the fiber bundle. The surface contact between the venous blood and the microporous fibers of the bundle facilitates the gas-exchanging function of transporting oxygen to the blood while removing carbon dioxide. This aids in transforming venous blood into arterial blood.

Abstract: A closed circuit breathing apparatus comprising: a container containing a reactant for reacting with carbon dioxide and water to produce oxygen gas; a housing for the container; a foldable breathing bag and breathing tube assembly, including a mouthpiece disposed on the breathing bag, in gas-flow communication with the container; a cover for containing the folded breathing bag and breathing tube assembly; a strap for removably securing the cover onto the apparatus; and a chlorate candle for providing an initial volume of oxygen gas to the breathing bag wherein the breathing bag and breathing tube assembly is unfolded and the chlorate candle automatically fired by a user donning the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating an individual for the symptoms of panic disorder and related maladies including agoraphobia, social phobia and claustrophobia. The method includes the step of reducing the levels of carbon dioxide being inspired by the individual.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a pure gas for use medical procedures in which the gas is contaminated with other gases during the procedure, and then separating the contaminants and recovering and reusing the decontaminated gas. The method is most advantageously used in medical imaging processes, such as magnetic resonance image (MRI), where hyperpolarized image enhancing noble gases, notably He3 or Xe129, are used for image enhancement in brain and lung imaging, and in which the contaminants are normally the exhalant gases from the imaged patient. The contaminated gas is passed through a series of drying and purification steps to remove the exhalant gases and separate the gas. The purified gas is then recovered and stored for reuse. This system prevents the loss of significant amounts of the image enhancing gases, which is important since key gases such as He3 and Xe129 are rare and expensive, and (especially He3) permanently lost once vented.

Abstract: A carrying device for a respirator is combined with protective clothing. The combination includes shoulder belts and waist belts on the carrying device. Quick-connection elements are provided at the ends of the shoulder belts and of the waist belts. Coupling elements are provided on the protective clothing for the quick-connection elements.

Abstract: Pneumatically operated gas demand equipment coupled in interruptible fluid communication between a recipient and a source of pressurized respiratory gas and adapted for controlling delivery of the pressurized gas to the recipient as the recipient inhales and exhales. The equipment includes a supply valve and a sensing valve cooperable to intermittently deliver pressurized gas to the recipient responsive to the recipient's inhalation and exhalation. A regulator mechanism is disposed between and in fluid communication with the pressurized gas source and the supply valve. The equipment additionally includes a control device for controlling flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source to the supply valve and from the pressurized gas source to the regulator mechanism. The control device also controls the pressure of pressurized gas discharged by the regulator mechanism.

Abstract: A simple breathing circuit is designed to be added to a standard anesthetic circuit to hasten recovery of patients administered vapor anesthetic prior to an operation and also to method of treatments of a patient to hasten recovery from administration of vapor anesthetic prior to surgical procedures.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for supplying breathable gas to an underwater habitat submerged in water. A flow of respired gas that includes metabolically-produced carbon dioxide is extracted from the underwater habitat and mixed with water from the surrounding environment. As a result of such mixing, carbon dioxide in the respired gas is substantially absorbed by the water while a first gas is produced. Moisture in the first gas is filtered out to produce a breathable gas which is then introduced back into the underwater habitat.

Abstract: A CPAP system is described for improved respiratory therapy of patients. In particular a patient interface is disclosed with an outlet vent with lower noise levels and more diffused outlet flow over prior art outlet vents. The outlet vent includes a main vent which is diffused and muffled and a higher resistance vent provided in case the main vent is blocked. The outlet vent is removable for easy maintenance and provides indication to the user when maintenance is required. The outlet vent described may be used on nasal masks, mouthpieces and patient interfaces generally.

Abstract: An improved oral/nasal mask-hood is provided for protection of individuals in the event of fire or smoke exposure. When attached to a supplemental supply of oxygen the mask-hood also provides hypoxia protection to individuals exposed to decompression as in some aircraft incidents. The mask-hood employs a five stage filtering process for converting toxic atmospheric air to breathable fresh air. The hood covers the wearer's head, neck and shoulder area. A neck seal is provided inside the hood for preventing gases from locating within the hood and irritating the wearer's eyes. A transparent member is located on the hood adjacent the wearer's line of sight to provide visibility during the emergency. The hood-mask device, as assembled, is small enough to retrofit into the space provided for the present decompression mask alone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which a granular adsorbent, absorbent, chemisorptive, or catalytic material, particularly activated carbon is intermixed with (a) meltable polymer(s), and that the resulting mixture is heated under pressure and pressed into a molded piece (2). We propose to heat the mixture under pressure in a connecting part for a respirator or fan filter unit or in a connecting part (1) for an adapter for a respirator or fan filter unit, thereby positively and/or non-positively compacting it with said connecting part, and to make the connection between said connecting part (1) and said compacted mixture gastight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing gases to a patient, in particular anesthetic gases, with reinhalation of the gas exhaled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regenerative absorber device (20) for the removal of CO2 from expiration gases during anesthesia. The device comprises a container (38) having an inlet (39) for said expiration gases, and an outlet (41) for output gases, the CO2 content of which having been substantially removed therefrom. The device is provided with an ion exchanger (42) having the capability to absorb CO2, disposed in said container (38) such that the gases flow through said ion exchanger from said inlet (39) to said outlet (41). A novel method of anesthesia comprises use of a CO2 absorber device according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an emergency hood to be worn by a person in an environment where there is fire or contamination. The hood closes off the head of the person to the ambient and has an elastic, gas-impermeable ruff extending down to the neck and shoulder region of the wearer. The hood has an interior space for accommodating the head of the wearer and is made of a fire resistant gas-impermeable material and has a transparent visor in the region of the eyes or face of the person and the visor likewise is made of fire resistant, gas-impermeable material. An oxygen supply unit supplies oxygen to the hood for use by the person and a water and carbon dioxide absorbing flexible areal absorber unit is mounted in the interior space.

Abstract: A breathing lime for anaesthetic apparatuses made of a macroporous ion exchange resin having primary benzylamine groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for recovering anaesthetic during the use of inhaled anaesthetics. An anaesthetic reflector (5) is used which absorbs anaesthetic medium from the gas exhaled by the patient and desorbs anaesthetic medium to the gas inhaled by the patient. According to the invention a moisture-heat exchanger (12) is arranged in the system which, in an equivalent manner, recovers water vapor from the gas exhaled to the gas inhaled. The moisture-heat exchanger (12) is preferably located between the anaesthetic reflector (5) and the patient (1). The device and the method according to the invention enable the gas inhaled to be moistened to prevent dehydration, as well as increasing the efficiency of the reflector (5).