Abstract: The invention relates to a mask for administering oxygen or other breathable gas to the nose and mouth of a patient. The invention relates to improvements in gas delivery masks, and specifically an improved diffuser structure which is particularly suitable for use in an open mask system, in which the mask body includes substantial openings that allow the user to freely converse, drink, and perform other functions. The improvements also relate to a rebound chamber within the diffuser body spaced apart from the gas conduit outlet, the rebound surface being configured to rebound and reverse the direction of flow of at least a substantial portion of the gas stream exiting the outlet from the forward direction to a rearward direction towards the user's face.

Abstract: We disclose a mask for administering a breathable gas to a patient, which comprises a mask body and a gas flow disrupter joined to the mask body for generating a turbulent gas plume rearwardly towards the nose and mouth of the patient. The mask body is configured to position the flow disrupter so as to be spaced from and opposing the patient's nose and mouth region when the mask is worn by the patient. The mask includes a gas inlet for admitting gas from an external source into the mask interior, through the gas flow disrupter. The gas flow disrupter can be configured to generate a turbulent gas plume wherein the velocity of gas exiting the disrupter is approximately the same as the gas velocity entering the mask from the gas inlet.

Abstract: A scalpel is disclosed, having a conventional handle and a blade unit for releasable attachment to the handle. The blade unit includes a body, a slot within said body to releasably engage the finger protruding from the handle, a scalpel blade attached to said body, and a blade cover slideably engaged to said body and configured for movement between a forward, protective position fully covering said blade and a retracted position to expose said blade for use. The cover has open front and rear ends to permit said blade and said body respectively to protrude through opposing ends of said cover when said cover is moved between said positions.

Abstract: There is provided a mask for delivery of a medical gas to a patient comprising a mask body having a rim for contacting the patient's face and an interior space configured to surround and enclose the patient's nose and mouth. The mask includes a gas diffuser structure projecting through said mask body into said interior space. The gas diffuser structure includes a support, a gas delivery tube within said support having an internal bore the axis of which is generally vertical when said mask body is upright, an inlet in said gas tube for communication with a source of pressurized gas, and an outlet from said gas tube within said interior space. The structure includes a gas flow disrupter or baffle located over the outlet of said bore in the path of gas exiting said bore configured to diffuse and/or redirect said gas radially outwardly.

Abstract: A scalpel is disclosed, having a conventional handle and a blade unit for releasable attachment to the handle. The blade unit includes a body, a slot within said body to releasably engage the finger protruding from the handle, a scalpel blade attached to said body, and a blade cover slideably engaged to said body and configured for movement between a forward, protective position fully covering said blade and a retracted position to expose said blade for use. The cover has open front and rear ends to permit said blade and said body respectively to protrude through opposing ends of said cover when said cover is moved between said positions.

Abstract: A mask for delivery of oxygen to a patient is disclosed, including a body having a peripheral portion, a central portion, and bridge portions extending between the central portion and the peripheral portion. The central portion has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface to be oriented towards the patient's face when the mask is in position, the inner surface of the central portion being provided with a wall circumscribing a base. The wall and base circumscribe a centrally positioned oxygen delivery aperture or oxygen diffuser to direct the flow of oxygen generally towards the patient's nose and mouth when the mask is in use. An element associated with the aperture and the central portion releasably receives and secures in position an oxygen delivery tube.

Abstract: A bite block for an endotrachial tube includes a hollow body extending between open ends to receive an endotrachial tube such that opposing ends of the tube protrude through the open ends of the bite block. The bite block includes a tether to retain the bite block to the tube to prevent unwanted separation or movement of the tube within the bite block. The tether consists of a flexible arm which protrudes rearwardly from the bite block towards the inlet end of the tube and terminates in a ring configured to encircle the endotrachial tube, thereby effectively tethering the bite block to the tube. The arm and ring are configured such that the arm flexes in an arc when tethering the tube, thereby permitting the ring to engage the tube when fitted to thereto.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube protector for use with an endotracheal tube comprises an elongated tubular member having a first end configured to extend out of a patient's mouth when in use and a second end configured to enter the throat of the patient. The tubular member has openings in the first and second ends and defines a substantially cylindrical cavity to hold an endotracheal tube. The tubular member has a longitudinal slit to allow the walls to separate for radial expansion of the cavity. The wall thickness is non-constant, with a thin-walled region which flexes to permit the walls to separate, and a thick-walled region which resists crushing forces acting on the protector. A pair of opposed bosses may extend longitudinally adjacent to the slit, to transmit a clamping force onto the endotracheal tube when contacted by the patient's jaw.

Abstract: A bite block for an endotrachial tube includes a hollow body extending between open ends to receive an endotrachial tube such that opposing ends of the tube protrude through the open ends of the bite block. The bite block includes a tether to retain the bite block to the tube to prevent unwanted separation or movement of the tube within the bite block. The tether consists of a flexible arm which protrudes rearwardly from the bite block towards the inlet end of the tube and terminates in a ring configured to encircle the endotrachial tube, thereby effectively tethering the bite block to the tube. The arm and ring are configured such that the arm flexes in an arc when tethering the tube, thereby permitting the ring to engage the tube when fitted to thereto.

Abstract: A mask for delivery of oxygen to a patient, comprising a body having a peripheral portion to sit comfortably on a patient's face, a central portion, and bridge portions extending between the central portion and the peripheral portion and integral therewith, the central portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface oriented towards the patient's face and spaced over the patient's nose and mouth, the inner surface of the central portion including a wall circumscribing a base, the wall and base being of generally concave configuration and circumscribing a centrally positioned oxygen delivery aperture extending through the central portion, the wall and base configured so as to act as an oxygen diffuser to direct the flow of oxygen generally towards the patient's nose and mouth when the mask is in use.

Abstract: A mask for delivery of oxygen to a patient, comprising a body having a rim to contact a patient's face, a mask body and a diffuser having a base, and wall circumscribing a central oxygen delivery aperture extending through the central portion between the inner surface and the outer surface, the wall and base configured to act as an oxygen diffuser to a plume of diffused oxygen generally towards the patient's nose and mouth; with substantial opening in the mask body to permit the patient to carry out normal functions.

Abstract: A support for an oxygen diffuser for delivering a plume of oxygen-enriched air to a space in front of a patient's nose and mouth. The support comprises a means for holding a tube associated with the oxygen diffuser. This means is located at the vertex of front portions of rigid arms forming a v-shaped front of the support. A resilient front strap extends between rear portions of the arms. A resilient back strap extends between ends of the rear portions of the arms. In operation, the back strap is arranged so as to extend behind a user's head and is releasably adjustable to an operative length to seat the support securely on a user's head with a portion of the front of the user's face bearing against the front strap, so that, when so seated, the diffuser is held in a position spaced from but proximal to the patient's nose and mouth.

Abstract: A lightweight oxygen delivery device is provided for a patient is provided, the device comprising an elongated tube bendable to a particular shape and capable of maintaining that shape. The tube is adapted to carry oxygen and has a first end and a second end. The first end is releasably connectable to an oxygen delivery source. To the second end of the tube is secured an end of a rigid elbow. One of those ends being secured to the second end of the tube and an oxygen diffuser connected to the other end of the elbow. An oxygen diffuser is connected to that other end of the elbow. The diffuser comprises a body having a wall, the interior surface of which wall is of generally concave configuration. The wall circumscribes a centrally positioned oxygen outlet communicating with that other end of the elbow so as to receive oxygen from the elbow and direct the flow of oxygen delivered from the elbow generally towards the patient's nose and mouth.

Abstract: A lightweight oxygen delivery device is provided for a patient is provided, the device comprising an elongated tube bendable to a particular shape and capable of maintaining that shape. The tube is adapted to carry oxygen and has a first end and a second end. The first end is releasably connectable to an oxygen delivery source. To the second end of the tube is secured an end of a rigid elbow. One of those ends being secured to the second end of the tube and an oxygen diffuser connected to the other end of the elbow. An oxygen diffuser is connected to that other end of the elbow. The diffuser comprises a body having a wall, the interior surface of which wall is of generally concave configuration. The wall circumscribes a centrally positioned oxygen outlet communicating with that other end of the elbow so as to receive oxygen from the elbow and direct the flow of oxygen delivered from the elbow generally towards the patient's nose and mouth.

Abstract: A lightweight oxygen delivery device for a patient comprising an elongated tube, releasably connectable to an oxygen delivery source at one end and to a rigid elbow at the other. The wall circumscribes a centrally positioned oxygen outlet communicating with the tube through the elbow so as to receive oxygen from the elbow and direct the flow of oxygen delivered from the elbow generally towards the patient's nose and mouth. Flexible wings are secured to the tube, between its ends, the wings extending outwardly to either side. An elongated flexible strap is secured to and extends between the wings, the strap to extend around a patient's head and secure the wings in position to hold the diffuser proximal to the patient's nose and mouth.

Abstract: A lightweight oxygen delivery system for a patient comprising a curved resilient headband to extend from side to side over a patient's head and to be comfortably seatably engaged thereon. A clip is secured towards one end of the headband. An elongated tubular boom is secured at one end to the clip to extend and hold its position, when in operation from said one end at the clip to another end located at a space in front of, and proximal to the patient's nose and mouth. An oxygen diffuser port is located at the other end of the boom, to deliver oxygen from the boom to the space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth.

Abstract: An oxygen diffuser for a lightweight oxygen delivery system for a patient, the oxygen delivery system being of the type comprising a mount for seated engagement on a patient's head or ear, an elongated tubular boom for oxygen delivery secured at one end to the mount and having the diffuser secured to the other end, the diffuser to deliver oxygen passed through the boom to a space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth, the diffuser comprising a body having a wall, the interior surface of which wall is of generally concave configuration, circumscribing a centrally positioned oxygen outlet so as to direct the flow of oxygen from the outlet generally towards the patient's nose and mouth; and a baffle seated over the oxygen outlet so as to assist in mixing of oxygen with ambient air and avoid a direct flow of oxygen towards the patient's face.

Abstract: A lightweight oxygen delivery device for a patient comprising an elongated bendable tube capable of maintaining a shape. The tube to carry oxygen and releasably connectable to an oxygen delivery source. A rigid elbow having an oxygen delivery passageway extending between its ends and secured at one end of the tube. An oxygen diffuser connected to the other end of the elbow. The diffuser comprising a body having a wall and the interior surface of which wall is of generally concave configuration, circumscribing a centrally positioned oxygen outlet to receive oxygen from the elbow and direct the flow of oxygen delivered from the elbow generally towards the patients nose and mouth. A flexible attachment surface secured to the tube, the attachment surface carrying a skin adhesive for releasable attachment to a patient's chin or cheek so as to position the diffuser proximal to the patient's nose and mouth.

Abstract: A lightweight oxygen delivery system for a patient comprising a curved resilient headband to extend from side to side over a patient's head and to be comfortably seatably engaged thereon. A clip is secured towards one end of the headband. An elongated tubular boom is secured at one end to the clip to extend and hold its position, when in operation from said one end at the clip to another end located at a space in front of, and proximal to the patient's nose and mouth. An oxygen diffuser port is located at the other end of the boom, to deliver oxygen from the boom to the space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth. The clip is constructed so as to hold securely an oxygen delivery tube from an oxygen source in fluid communication with said one end of the boom so as to deliver oxygen from the source to the boom for discharge through the diffuser.