Abstract: A respiratory treatment device comprising at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the at least one chamber, at least one chamber outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the at least one chamber, and an exhalation flow path defined between the chamber inlet and the at least one chamber outlet. A restrictor member positioned in the exhalation flow path is moveable between a closed position, where a flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is restricted, and an open position, where the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is less restricted. A vane in fluid communication with the exhalation flow path is operatively connected to the restrictor member and is configured to reciprocate between a first position and a second position in response to the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment device having an inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the device and an outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the device. A blocking member is moveable between a closed position where the flow of air through the device is restricted, and an open position where the flow of air through the device is less restricted. A biasing member is configured to bias the blocking member toward the closed position, wherein a level of bias decreases as the blocking member moves from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: Ventilator circuit aerosol delivery systems used to administer medication to a patient are disclosed. In one implementation, a metered dose inhaler (“MDI”) ventilator assembly may include a housing that defines an interior space, an inhalation port that defines an inhalation passageway in communication with the interior space, an exhalation port that defines an exhalation passageway in communication with the interior space, a patient port that defines a patient passageway in communication with the interior space, and a MDI receptacle positioned on the housing and in communication with the interior space. The MDI receptacle is operative to receive a MDI container and dispense an aerosolized medication within the MDI container into the interior space so that during inhalation, an inhalation flow including the aerosolized medication may flow through the inhalation port, the interior space, and the patient port.

Abstract: A positive exhalation pressure device increases the pressure gradient in the airways, thereby increasing oxygen saturation levels and decreasing the severity of hypoxia. Various embodiments of the device may be inserted into the nasal and/or oral cavities, or configured as mask devices covering the nasal and/or oral cavities. In some embodiments, the resistance of the device may be varied.

Abstract: A carrying case has first and second clam shell members hingedly connected along one side thereof and defines a interior cavity when in a closed position. At least a portion of an oral device is disposed between the first and second clam shell members with a support member engaging and supporting the oral device such that an intraoral bolus simulator is suspended in the interior cavity free of any engagement with the carrying case. The intraoral bolus simulator may include lubricated patches transformable from a first state, wherein the lubricated patches each comprise water soluble thermoplastic particles suspended in a silicone matrix, to a second state, wherein the water soluble thermoplastic particles are depleted from the silicone matrix. A method of stimulating an oral cavity includes depleting the water soluble thermoplastic particles from the silicone matrix, and presenting a rough surface to the user with the depleted lubricated patches.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment device having an inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the device, an outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the device, a valve moveable in response to a threshold exhalation pressure at the inlet between a closed position where the flow of air from the inlet to the outlet is restricted, and an open exhalation position where the flow of air from the inlet to the outlet is less restricted, and a valve brace configured to support the valve, wherein a position of the valve brace relative to the valve is selectively adjustable to increase or decrease the threshold exhalation pressure.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler (“MDI”) applicator is disclosed that includes a carrier, a housing, an adjuster and a lever. The carrier defines an aperture configured to receive a boot of a MDI. The housing is configured to be assembled with the carrier and to move in a vertical direction within the MID applicator relative to the carrier. The adjuster is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when the adjuster is in the locked position, the adjuster is configured to prevent the carrier and the housing from moving in one or more directions relative to one another. The lever is pivotally connected to the housing and is configured to transfer a force applied to the lever to a canister of the MDI and to actuate the MDI to dispense an aerosolized medicine.

Abstract: A negative pressure vest includes a housing defining a fixed, minimum interior volume. The housing has a neck opening, a pair of arm openings and a trunk opening. Each of the neck and arm openings includes a sealing member. A one-way check valve communicates between the interior volume and an ambient environment surrounding an exterior of the housing. The one-way check valve is openable at a pressure greater than an ambient atmospheric pressure. A one-way pressure-relief valve communicates between the interior volume and the ambient environment. The one-way intake valve is openable at a predetermined negative pressure. A method of providing negative pressure to the user's thorax is also provided.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery system is disclosed that is a single-use (disposable) continuous nebulizer system designed for use with mechanically ventilated patients to aerosolize medications for inhalation with a general purpose nebulizer, or for connection with devices usable in endoscopic procedures. The system separates the liquid reservoir from the nebulization process taking place either at the adapter hub, where it fits into an endotracheal tube (ETT), or a gas humidifier, where the aerosol may treat a gas used in an endoscopic procedure, with a multi-lumen tube configured to nebulize liquid and air at its distal end. The refillable liquid reservoir is mounted away from the immediate treatment zone, avoiding orientation issues associated with other types of nebulizers having a self-contained reservoir. The system can produce aerosols having a wide range of droplet sizes, depending upon central lumen diameter, with values of MMAD that range from 4 to 30 ?m.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment device comprising at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive air into the at least one chamber, at least one chamber outlet configured to permit air to exit the at least one chamber, and a flow path defined between the chamber inlet and the at least one chamber outlet. A restrictor member positioned in the flow path is moveable between a closed position, where a flow of air along the flow path is restricted, and an open position, where the flow of air along the flow path is less restricted. A vane in fluid communication with the flow path is operatively connected to the restrictor member and is configured to reciprocate between a first position and a second position in response to the flow of air along the flow path.

Abstract: An oral device, or mouthpiece, for delivering a fluid to the mouth or oropharynx of a user includes an intraoral portion and an extraoral portion, which may be integrally formed. In various embodiments, the oral device may be configured with ear loops. The intraoral portion generally includes at least one outlet port through which the fluid is delivered to the oral cavity or oropharynx. A method for making an oral device is also provided.

Abstract: A nebulizer system capable of identifying when activation has occurred and aerosol is being produced. The nebulizer system monitors the inhalation and exhalation flow generated by the patient and communicates proper breathing technique for optimal drug delivery. The nebulizer system may monitor air supply to the nebulizer to ensure it is within the working range and is producing, or is capable of producing, acceptable particle size and drug output rate. When a patient, caregiver or other user deposits or inserts medication into the nebulizer, the nebulizer system is able to identify the medication and determine the appropriate delivery methods required to properly administer the medication as well as output this information into a treatment log to ensure the patient is taking the proper medications. The system is able to measure the concentration of the medication and volume of the medication placed within the medication receptacle, e.g., bowl.

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

Abstract: An aerosol medication delivery system includes a holding chamber having an output end with a plurality of tabs extending from an exterior. A patient interface includes a housing having an annular attachment collar configured with a plurality of openings receiving the plurality of tabs. The housing has a plurality of engagement members formed on an interior of the housing and an interior wall defining a sealing surface. A retaining ring is engaged by the engagement members and is coupled to an interior of the housing. A one-way inhalation valve includes a non-moveable annular valve seat engaged by the retaining ring and the sealing surface of the interior wall. A one-way exhalation valve is formed separately from the one-way inhalation valve, and is coupled to the patient interface.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment device comprising at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the at least one chamber, at least one chamber outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the at least one chamber, and an exhalation flow path defined between the chamber inlet and the at least one chamber outlet. A restrictor member positioned in the exhalation flow path is moveable between a closed position, where a flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is restricted, and an open position, where the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is less restricted. A vane in fluid communication with the exhalation flow path is operatively connected to the restrictor member and is configured to reciprocate between a first position and a second position in response to the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path.

Abstract: An indicating device for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes a first housing member having laterally spaced apart first and second guide members and a second housing member. The first and second housing members are moveable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis. The second housing member includes laterally spaced apart first and second guides shaped to receive the first and second guide members respectively, and wherein the first and second guides are not shaped to receive the second and first guide members respectively. A biasing member biases the second member relative to the first member along the longitudinal axis. An indicating member is disposed between the first and second housing members.

Abstract: An oscillating positive expiratory pressure device comprising a housing enclosing at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the at least one chamber, and a chamber outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the at least one chamber. A channel is positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, with the channel being moveably connected to a chamber of the at least one chamber. An air flow regulator is moveable with respect to the channel between a first position, where the flow of air through the channel is restricted and a second position, where the flow of air through the channel is less restricted, the air flow regulator being configured to repeatedly move between the first position and the second position in response to a flow of exhaled air.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler (“MDI”) applicator is disclosed that includes a carrier, a housing, an adjuster and a lever. The carrier defines an aperture configured to receive a boot of a MDI. The housing is configured to be assembled with the carrier and to move in a vertical direction within the MID applicator relative to the carrier. The adjuster is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when the adjuster is in the locked position, the adjuster is configured to prevent the carrier and the housing from moving in one or more directions relative to one another. The lever is pivotally connected to the housing and is configured to transfer a force applied to the lever to a canister of the MDI and to actuate the MDI to dispense an aerosolized medicine.

Abstract: An oscillating positive expiratory pressure apparatus having a housing defining a chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, a deformable restrictor member positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and an oscillation member disposed within the chamber. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member are moveable between an engaged position, where the oscillation member is in contact with the deformable restrictor member and an disengaged position, where the oscillation member is not in contact with the deformable restrictor member. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member move from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to a first exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet, and move from the disengaged position to an engaged position in response to a second exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet.