Abstract: A sleep silencer serves for eliminating snore by holding in a mouth. The sleep silencer comprises a hollow tube which includes a front tube and a rear tube. One end of the front tube has an opening. A periphery of one distal end of the rear tube has a safety ring enclosing the periphery. A ball stop is installed at a center of the opening of the front tube. Two sides of the ball stop are formed with respective turbulent devices which are adhered to an inner wall of the front tube so as to buffer the air in the front tube.

Abstract: Systems and methods for promoting ischemic preconditioning in individuals are provided. Ischemic preconditioning is provided by exercise treatments. The exercise treatments consist of breathing exercise regimens with breathing sequences of oxygenating and non-oxygenating phases co-ordinated with stress-relaxation cycles. The breathing sequences are designed to induce periods of ischemia. The individualized exercise treatments can induce optimal number of periods of ischemia separated by suitable intervals to provide effective ischemic preconditioning.

Abstract: A pulmonary exercise device includes a tubular body with an air inlet, an air outlet and a mouthpiece. The air inlet is closed by a one-way valve arrangement which is resiliently biased using a spring. The air outlet is closed by a one-way valve arrangement which is resiliently biased closed by using a spring. In another aspect, the inlet and outlet are closed off by respective one way valves which prevent airflow in one direction and allow only a restricted flow in the other.

Abstract: A lung and breath control exercise device includes an elongated body with an upwardly open channel. An array of pegs are rotatably mounted on an axle extending along the channel and the pegs may be rotated from a first position against one wall of the channel to a second position against the opposite wall. In use, the pegs are positioned in one position and the device is placed on a level surface a predetermined distance from a human user. The user then blows his or her breath on the pegs to blow them to their second positions in a predetermined order or sequence or to keep selected pegs suspended between positions. This exercises the user's lungs and develops breath control. The immediate feedback provided by the moving pegs is a measure of success and progress, which encourages the user to engage and continue to engage in breath and lung exercises with the device.

Abstract: A medication dosage inhaler system with a main body having a round hollow cylindrical inward portion and a plurality of apertures and a round hollow cylindrical inward portion with a radially displaced round cylindrical hollow medication passageway, a T-shaped adaptor having a stepped gas connector forming an open pathway for the deliverance of a medical gas, an end cap having a one way valve for a one way flow of gas there through and a plurality of apertures, a medication dosage delivery container having a projecting medication delivering tube, a mouthpiece, and an oxygen source to mate with the stepped gas connector of the T-shaped adaptor.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for measuring the strength of a person's respiratory muscles, which apparatus (2) comprises a mouthpiece (4) for the person, a flow transducer, a pressure transducer (6), a variable orifice valve (10), a motor (12) for operating the variable orifice valve (10), and microprocessor control means (8), the microprocessor control means being such that it is able to control the motor (12) to cause the variable orifice valve (10) to vary its orifice size and thereby to maintain a constant predetermined pressure and enable the measurement of the flow rate generated by the person, or to maintain a constant predetermined flow rate and enable the measurement of the pressure generated by the person.

Abstract: A metered dosage inhaler system with variable positive pressure settings has a hollow housing with a front portion with a cylindrical protruding user adaptor portion, a top face having apertures, a user controlled air resistance dial, a bottom face having a handle/input, and a cylindrical downwardly extending hollow handle portion. The first end of the handle portion is adapted to form an airtight removable coupling with the handle/input adaptor. An end piece with holes is adapted to couple to the second end of the handle portion. A spherical ball has a diameter less than that of the handle portion and removably rests in the handle portion. The ball rises in response to a vacuum caused by a,patient. A mouth piece portion has a cylindrical first portion removably coupled to the adapter portion and a tapered second portion adapted to fit comfortably within the mouth of a patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for promoting ischemic preconditioning in individuals are provided. Ischemic preconditioning is provided by exercise treatments. The exercise treatments consist of breathing exercise regimens with breathing sequences of oxygenating and non-oxygenating phases co-ordinated with stress-relaxation cycles. The breathing sequences are designed to induce periods of ischemia. The individualized exercise treatments can induce optimal number of periods of ischemia separated by suitable intervals to provide effective ischemic preconditioning.

Abstract: A device for thinning lung secretions comprises a housing, a reed disposed in the housing, and an acoustical resistance. The reed produces a low-frequency audio shockwave when vibrated. The acoustical resistance couples a patient's lungs to the audio shockwave and creates a back pressure of the low-frequency shockwave into a patient's lungs.

Abstract: A mode of providing halotherapy to the lower respiratory tract that includes the step of operating a plastic apparatus and inhaling. The plastic apparatus contains sodium chloride (common table salt) User operates the plastic apparatus to release a dosage of salt-filtered air for inhalation when the apparatus is aimed into the user's mouth by way of corrugated plastic tubing and a plastic breathing regulator located next to a plastic mouthpiece. The user then inhales the dosage of salt-filtered air to target the lower respiratory tract (lungs). This dosage of salt-filtered air supplies a concentration adequate to produce potent halotherapy and with continual use, on a daily basis, eliminates dyspnea due to chronic respiratory ailments.

Abstract: A dynamic respiratory control device includes a fast-response valve capable of dynamically imposing multiple resistive loads on the flow of respiratory gas to and from a patient. The resistive loads are applied in response to measured flow rates, patient lung volumes, and/or mouthpiece pressures. The device can precisely constrain tidal breathing, provide precise volumetric control of the airway, and impose multiple specific inspiratory and/or expiratory loading functions to evaluate respiratory function. The device is useful for pulmonary function testing, CT and MRI imaging of the chest, combined CT imaging/interventional radiology, radiotherapy delivery to the thorax/abdomen, and/or as a resistive muscle trainer for weaning patients off ventilators and for respiratory muscle training.

Abstract: An inspiratory muscle training device comprises a chamber having an opening for the passage of air to be inhaled and exhaled, and an inlet permitting air to be inhaled to enter the chamber and to pass to the opening. A one-way exhaust valve permits exhaled air entering through the opening to escape from the chamber, and another valve is provided to resist the entry of air to be inhaled into the chamber, the latter valve serving to vary the degree of resistance in dependence upon the volume of air that has passed through the inlet.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for the diaphragm pump of an inhaling apparatus compressor contains a flexible diaphragm 1,21 with a first opening 2, 22, a lower diaphragm disc 6, 26, with a second opening 8, 28, and an upper diaphragm disc 14, 38 with a third opening 16, 40, said diaphragm discs 6, 14, 26, 38 having a smaller diameter than the flexible diaphragm 1, 21, and a securement member 18, 44, for clamping the diaphragms 1, 21, between the lower diaphragm discs 6, 26 and the upper diaphragm discs 14, 38, said securement member 18, 44 being guided through the first, second and third opening 2, 12, 16, 22, 28, 40 and being in engagement with a diaphragm drive device.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus having a main body with a generally cylindrical inner cavity. The main body has a main aperture for the user to breath into and at least two sets of outer openings. An inner cylinder is coaxially disposed within the inner cavity of the main body and is adapted to move relative to the main body. The inner cylinder has an open end adjacent the main aperture, and at least two sets of inner openings selectively matable with the openings in the main body upon movement of the inner cylinder with respect to the main body. By selecting the appropriate alignment of openings, either resistive, percussive, or pulsing breathing exercises can be performed.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a link rod (5) pivoted by its first end (6) on the equipment frame via a first joint (7) permitting a turning motion about a swing axis (8) perpendicular to the vertical middle plane of the seat. A head rest (9) is functionally connected to the link rod (5) so that the link rod participates in turning the head rest during an exercise movement while the person's head is leaning against the head rest. The apparatus also includes a multi-joint angular linkage mechanism (12), of which the link rod (5) constitutes a part. The multi-joint angular linkage mechanism (12) is connected to the head rest (9) so as to cause it to move during an exercise movement along a curved path that substantially coincides with the natural path of the neck.

Abstract: A lung and breath control exercise device and methodology is provided. The device includes an elongated body with an upwardly open channel. An array of pegs are rotatably mounted on an axle extending along the channel and the pegs may be rotated from a first position against one wall of the channel to a second position against the opposite wall. In use, the pegs are positioned in one position and the device is placed on a level surface a predetermined distance from a user. The user then blows on the pegs to blow them to their second positions in a predetermined order or sequence. The immediate feedback provided by the moving pegs is a measure of success and progress, which encourages the user to engage and continue to engage in breath and lung exercises. In an enhanced embodiment, an on-board microprocessor is coupled to a clock, to sensors for detecting the conditions of the pegs, and to LEDs, which indicate a particular peg when lit.

Abstract: A method of treatment of groups of muscles in orofacial region, of the respiratory system, and of retaining and support system of a body of a patient and including providing a logopedic aid having at least one rubbed balloon and a plurality of valve mouthpieces for inflating the at least one rubbed balloon and characterized by different degrees of difficulty with which the balloon can be inflated, and treating the patient by having the patient inflate the balloon by using in succession valve mouthpieces with an ever increasing degree of difficulty.

Abstract: A ventilator has an inspiratory unit and an expiratory valve for regulating a flow of breathing gas and a control unit for controlling the inspiratory unit and the expiratory valve. In order to facilitate the opening of collapsed alveoli in the lungs, the control unit controls the inspiratory unit and the expiratory valve to generate a recruitment phase with an elevated basic pressure for the flow of breathing gas upon which a number of breaths is superimposed at a faster breathing rate.

Abstract: A stomach and mid-torso muscle-toning device. The device includes an elongated generally flat, waist-encircling flexible member having end portions and inner and outer panels attached together along common margins therebetween to define a closed or closable central pouch. The waist-encircling member is sized in length to transversely encircle a mid-torso and stomach of a user so that the end portions meet or overlap one another when the member is in an in-use position around the user's torso. Preferably, a releasable two-part hook and loop attachment between the end portions holds the waist member snugly in the in-use position. An elongated inflatable bladder is disposed between the inner and outer panels. An air pump and outlet valve are operably connected to an inlet and outlet, respectively, of the bladder, whereby the bladder may be selectively pressurized.

Abstract: A respiratory therapeutic device for actively loosening and breaking up phlegm in a user's lungs and bronchial and tracheal passages while a user is breathing through the device. The device includes a housing containing a base portion and a cap portion forming at least a portion of a sonic coupling chamber having a plurality of breathing holes therethrough and adapted to be held in a patient's mouth. The base portion contains an audio generator behind a sanitary flexible diaphragm separating the portions. The generator preferably includes a power supply and a pulsed audio signal generator connected to the speaker. The audio signal generator may be adjusted by the user as to tone pitch and tone burst repetition rate to optimally loosen accumulated phlegm in the user's lungs during unit operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for exercising the muscles of the respiratory system for improving endurance. The apparatus includes a bag which is inflatable for receiving a predetermined volume of expired air. A valve is closed during rebreathing of expired air in the bag and is adapted to open in response to deflation of the bag to admit fresh air to the air way. The valve is also adapted to open when the bag is fully inflated to release excess expired air. The breathing frequency is paced so that, in combination with the predetermined volume, the overall ventilation may be maintained over a period of time for increasing endurance. As endurance is increased over time, the bag may be replaced with incrementally larger volume bags or the bag volume may be incrementally increased. Guidance of the training schedule and central monitoring of the training are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating large drag forces on an object moving through a gas or liquid for braking and/or turning the object by deploying on the exterior surface of an object a very large number of very small surfaces that are aligned perpendicular to the local surface low direction. The large drag force results from the summation of a very large number of very small drag forces generated by each of the very small surfaces as the local flow separates on the downstream side of each of the very small surfaces. The very large number of very small surfaces of the novel device are selectively actuated and extended into the gas or fluid stream that is moving along the body of an air vehicle, ground vehicle, or water vehicle to produce a large drag value. The present invention is also comprised of a means to retract and stow the very small surfaces that have been extended into the gas or fluid stream passing over the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for regulating pressure which can be used to relieve discomfort caused by inner ear pressure. The device includes a hollow body having an open end, a movable member within the hollow body which defines a first chamber that extends between the movable member and the open end of the hollow body, and various alternative structural elements which regulate pressure in the first chamber. To relieve discomfort caused by inner ear pressure, the open end of the hollow body is provided with a mouthpiece. A person experiencing discomfort caused by inner ear pressure, blows through or sucks on the mouthpiece, causing a change in pressure in the first chamber. The device regulates pressure in the first chamber in such a way to help relieve the person's inner ear pressure.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus having a main body with a generally cylindrical inner cavity. The main body has a main aperture for the user to breath into and at least two sets of outer openings. An inner cylinder is coaxially disposed within the inner cavity of the main body and is adapted to move relative to the main body. The inner cylinder has an open end adjacent the main aperture, and at least two sets of inner openings selectively matable with the openings in the main body upon movement of the inner cylinder with respect to the main body. By selecting the appropriate alignment of openings, either resistive, percussive, or pulsing breathing exercises can be performed.

Abstract: An active respiratory therapeutic device and method for actively loosening and breaking up mucus plugs and phlegm in a user's trachea and bronchial passages and lungs while a user is breathing normally through the device comprises a housing containing a base portion and a cap portion forming at least a portion of a sonic coupling chamber adapted to be held in a patient's mouth during normal breathing activity. The cap portion also includes breathing passages out of the chamber so that the user can breath normally through device during operation. The base portion contains an acoustic generator, preferably behind a sanitary flexible diaphragm separating the portions. The portions may be separately housed and connected electrically.

Abstract: An abdominal breathing device is composed of an air pump, an inhaling-exhaling mechanism, and an air bag connected with the inhaling-exhaling mechanism by an air tube. The air bag is strapped around the abdomen of a person undertaking the abdominal breathing and is then inflated by the air pump in conjunction with the inhaling-exhaling mechanism, so as to force the abdomen of the person to contract to exhale air. The inflated air bag is deflated by the abdominal expansion caused by the inhaling of air by the person in conjunction with the inhaling-exhaling mechanism.

Abstract: A peak flow meter has an element (4) displaceable along a hollow body (2) by the exhalation of a subject, and means for indicating the maximum displacement of that element as a measure of peak flow. Pre-set markers (20) are located at selected positions to indicate selected displacement values. The markers are in the form of elements that are snap-fitted onto the meter body at chosen positions and they have a toothed interengagement (12,28) with the body as they snap-fit into place.

Abstract: An improved incentive spirometer adapted to introduce a flow of oxygen across the inlet for inspiratory air so that the oxygen may be drawn thereinto without requiring any change in the calibration of the device or the monitoring of the patient's usage. The device also features an integral information display receptacle in the base for storage of operational instructions. A portion of the base is transparent to that the information contained in the storage receptacle can be viewed by a patient while the device is in use, thereby permitting a patient to observe such things as the instructions for proper use of the incentive spirometer while using the device. The spirometer structure can be utilized for different patient groupings by changing a venturi plate to present a flow restricting orifice designed to accommodate the respiratory therapy and exercise needs for the particular patient grouping.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus and method of using the apparatus for exercising the lungs of a user. The breathing apparatus has a main body with a generally cylindrical inner cavity. The main body has a main aperture for the user to breathe into and at least two sets of outer openings. An inner cylinder is coaxially disposed within the inner cavity of the main body and is adapted to move relative to the main body. The inner cylinder has an open end adjacent the main aperture, and at least two sets of inner openings selectively matable with the openings in the main body upon movement of the inner cylinder with respect to the main body. By selecting the appropriate alignment of openings, either resistive, percussive, or pulsing breathing exercises can be performed.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus having a main body with a generally cylindrical inner cavity. The main body has a main aperture for the user to breath into and at least two sets of outer openings. An inner cylinder is coaxially disposed within the inner cavity of the main body and is adapted to move relative to the main body. The inner cylinder has an open end adjacent the main aperture, and at least two sets of inner openings selectively matable with the openings in the main body upon movement of the inner cylinder with respect to the main body. By selecting the appropriate alignment of openings, varied amounts of resistance can be achieved.

Abstract: A respiratory exercise apparatus and method for providing resistance and percussion during inspiration and expiration. The apparatus includes a main body having an inner cavity, an orifice in communication with the inner cavity, and at least one aperture in communication with the inner cavity. A member is disposed and is movable relative to the main body. Pursuant to the method, upon movement of the member, the aperture in the main body is opened and closed. In one embodiment, the member has a plurality of circumferentially-spaced apertures which can be of different sizes. The user can select different size apertures to align to provide varying degrees of resistance to inspiration and expiration. By moving the member during inspiration and expiration, the apertures are sequentially aligned with the at least one aperture in the main body, providing a percussion effect. The user can control movement of the member with a lever pivotally disposed within a mouthpiece disposed over the orifice in the main body.

Abstract: A respiratory therapeutic device for actively loosening and breaking up phlegm in a user's lungs and bronchial and tracheal passages while a user is breathing through the device is disclosed which comprises a housing containing a base portion and a cap portion forming at least a portion of a sonic coupling chamber having a plurality of breathing holes therethrough and adapted to be held in a patient's mouth. The base portion contains an audio generator behind a sanitary flexible diaphragm separating the portions. The generator preferably includes a power supply and a pulsed audio signal generator connected to the speaker. The audio signal generator may be adjusted by the user as to tone pitch and tone burst repetition rate to optimally loosen accumulated phlegm in the user's lungs during unit operation.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to instrumentation for pulmonary monitoring and diagnosis and particularly to a compact, hand held, battery powered spirometer, measuring and monitoring expiratory and inspiratory flow rates, volumes and other lung function parameters.An electronic "pocket" spirometer comprises an elongated handle having a mouth piece connected to a flow chamber mounted on one end thereof as an integral assembly. The flow chamber includes a centrally mounted pivotal vane which is restrained by a spring and driven by incoming breath to provide an output signal through an optical encoder to a microprocessor. The vane may move forward or backward providing expiratory as well as inspiratory flow/volume measurement. An optical wheel is locked in synch with the vane and moves correspondingly to activate the encoder which supplies flow rate and volume signals and other calculated parameters to an LCD display.

Abstract: A hypoxic room system for hypoxic training or therapy is provided which simulates oxygen-depleted mountain air. The system employs an oxygen content-reducing device (hypoxicator) which supplies oxygen-depleted air to a hypoxic training room communicating with the device and having ventilating openings for equalizing atmospheric pressure inside the hypoxic room. The system may be applied to interior space inside any structure. The hypoxicator may employ a membrane air-separation principle or a molecular sieve pressure-swing adsorption process.

Abstract: An endogenic breathing trainer including an inner chamber including an upper end and a lower end. The lower end includes a plurality of holes formed therethrough for permitting air to enter and exit the inner chamber. A breathing pipe connected to the upper end of the inner chamber permits air to enter and exit the inner chamber. A middle chamber receives the inner chamber. The middle chamber includes an upper end and a lower end. The upper end includes a passage therethrough for receiving the breathing pipe and at least one inlet permitting air to pass into the middle chamber. The lower end of the inner chamber is separated from the lower end of the middle chamber by a gap filled with water. An outer chamber receives the inner chamber and the middle chamber. The outer chamber includes an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the outer chamber includes a passage therethrough for receiving the breathing pipe. At least one inlet passage in the outer chamber permits air to enter and exit the outer chamber.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring the expiratory air flow pressure of an individual. The inventive device includes a main body having an extension tube removably coupled thereto. The extension tube is operable to mount various woodwind or brasswind mouthpieces in fluid communication with the main body. An aperture extends through the main body to permit the exiting of air blown through the device and includes an adjustment means for selectively closing the aperture to simulate air flow through various musical instruments. An air pressure gauge is mounted to the main body in fluid communication therewith to indicate an air flow pressure in both negative and positive directions therewithin. This helps train the respiratory muscles to inhale and exhale the air in a consistent manner which improves tone and breath control.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus and method of using the apparatus for exercising the lungs of a user. The breathing apparatus has a main body with a generally cylindrical inner cavity. The main body has a main aperture for the user to breathe into and at least two sets of outer openings. An inner cylinder is coaxially disposed within the inner cavity of the main body and is adapted to move relative to the main body. The inner cylinder has an open end adjacent the main aperture, and at least two sets of inner openings selectively matable with the openings in the main body upon movement of the inner cylinder with respect to the main body. By selecting the appropriate alignment of openings, either resistive, percussive, or pulsing breathing exercises can be performed.

Abstract: A respiration device for preventing Sleep Apnea and snoring of patients. The device comprises a nose-mask and a housing with an inhalation and an exhalation, one-way, elastically self-closing, preferably diaphragm-type valves. The exhalation valve is adapted to close against a predetermined, elevated pressure prevailing in the housing prior to the completion of exhalation by the patient.

Abstract: Miniature peak flow meter is compact, portable diagnostic device of beeper size. It consists of two bodies which create a curved cylinder inside which moves a rotational piston by means of rotation. The resistance to that movement is achieved by a specially created torsion spring. The mouthpiece is folded inside the device in unused position thus contributing to the compactness. By pulling out the mouthpiece and blowing through it, the patient rotates the piston by his expiratory flow and moves a pointer secured in a groove on the top side of the device. The pointer shows the value on a printed scale, and the patient writes it on a recording chart placed on the bottom surface of the device.

Abstract: A therapeutic device, with which during inhalation or exhalation an oscillating air resistance is generated, for improving breathing and expectoration of a patient has a bent tube section with a first and a second end. The tube section has an inner wall surface. A first mouthpiece is connected to the first end. An elastically deformable hose section having a first and a second end, the first end connected to the first mouthpiece, is positioned inside the tube section so as to rest at its inner wall surface. The second end of the elastically deformable hose section is open. To the second end of the tube section a second mouthpiece may be connected.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the peak flow during an exhalation, which can be quickly and simply assembled and disassembled manually, so that a simple and cost effective production is possible, on the one hand, and a complete cleaning of the instrument is possible on the other hand, so that a hygienic use is guaranteed. The case of the instrument consists of two halves (12 and 22). The first half (12) of the case is equipped with a projection (18), which locks into a recess (24) in the second half (22) of the case when the case is assembled. The two halves of the case (12 and 22) are furthermore both equipped with an extension piece (22 or 26, respectively), with the two extension pieces resting on each other when the case is assembled. For the assembly, the projection (18) installed on the second half (22) of the case is rotated into the recess (24) in the second half of the case, so that the two halves (12 and 22) of the case are joined and the two extension pieces (20 and 26) rest on each other.

Abstract: An exercise device for improving the performance of age or disease impaired human respiratory systems. The device depends on the use of a respiratory exerciser which contains a novel piston which does not itself contact internal diameter of the tube in which it is situated except for the interface created by a rubber disk which is centered in the piston.

Abstract: A peak flow meter consists in known fashion of a housing having in it a channel along which a pointer (6) is movable to a distance dependent on the lung function of a patient using the meter. Positioned adjacent the channel are two or more indicators (12) movable along an axis parallel with the channel. Each indicator is preferably shielded from manual contact, and e.g. is movable along its path only by use of a tool. In accordance with the invention, each indicator presents to view two visually-distinguishable areas defining a boundary (24) which can be set at a point along the path of the pointer to indicate limit positions relating to lung function, so as to indicate graphically to the user when he or she might need to take remedial action.

Abstract: A portable hand held electronic spirometric device for analyzing the strength of the exhalation of a patient under a doctor's care. The electronic spirometric device is designed to sense and measure exhaled air flow rate and exhaled breath temperature, determine air flow volume, and record and display the respiratory movement of the patient for helping make medication recommendations. The spirometric device includes an electronic package mounted inside a hand held housing for computing and recording the strength, the temperature, and the volume of the exhalation along with the time and date of the exhalation. The device includes a replaceable air flow chamber mounted on the housing. A disposable mouthpiece is releasably attached to the air flow chamber. A hot wire acting as an anemometer is disposed inside the air flow chamber and provides for measuring both air flow rate and temperature.

Abstract: A variable resistance slide board comprises a thin flexible sheet having a low friction upper surface. The sheet may include start-stop blocks located on the sides or elsewhere for engaging the foot or hands of the user while starting or pushing and while stopping. The start-stop blocks may be permanently attached or adjustably mounted. The sheet is mounted on a compressible mat. Additionally, the sheet is made from a deformable material so that the resistance can be controlled in accordance with the characteristics of the compressible mat.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a first tubular part (1) comprising an air inlet (4) wherein the patient may breathe out and in. A second part (2), inclined upwardly, comprises an outlet duct (5) having a conical shape and in which is disposed a spherical ball (6) having a diameter larger than the dimensions of the inlet orifice of the duct, in order to obstruct the duct before expiration. The axis of the conical duct (5) is inclined upwardly with respect to the axis of the tubular-shaped part (1). A third part (3) downwardly inclined comprises an outlet duct (5') having a conical shape and in which is disposed a spherical ball (6') having a diameter larger than the dimensions of the inlet orifice of the duct, in order to obstruct the duct before inspiration, the axis of said conical duct (5') being inclined with respect to the axis of the tubular-shaped part (1).

Abstract: This invention deals with a new and novel dynamic exercising device intended to improve the performance of age or disease impaired human respiratory systems. The device depends on the use of a respiratory exerciser which contains a novel piston which does not itself contact the internal diameter of the tube in which it is situated except for the interface created by a rubber disk which is centered in the piston.

Abstract: A device for measuring the maximum flow rate of a single forced expiration, comprises an elongated hollow body with inlet and outlet ends, a vane mounted to a shaft and rotatable within the body from a defined rest position, and an indicator to indicate maximum displacement of the vane from its rest position. The vane is shaped such that airflow from the inlet end past the vane causes the vane to rotate away from the rest position with the plane of rotation preferably being at about 90.degree. to the airflow through the elongated body.

Abstract: A indicator for an exercising apparatus with a rotating element includes a base, a cover being engaged with the base, a blowing device being disposed on the base, a transmission device having a first end connected to the rotating device of the exercising apparatus and a second end engaged to the blowing device for actuating the blowing device and a float being disposed in the cover and above the blowing device. The float can be propelled upwardly when the blowing device is actuated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peak flow meter which facilitates a subject's compliance with the use thereof. In one embodiment, the peak flow meter provides an alarm for indicating that the subject is due for a peak expiratory flow rate evaluation when the subject has failed to use the peak flow meter after a predetermined period of time. In another embodiment, the peak flow meter is provided with circuitry which derives a data result corresponding to the peak expiratory flow rate of air blown into the peak flow meter for a number of blows. A first comparator determines the best data result within the number of blows and a memory stores each best data result. A second comparator compares each best data result to a specified value and provides an enabling signal to an alarm when a best data result is a predetermined amount lower than the specified value.