Abstract: A respiratory device is provided with a display showing a respiration signal related to a breathing pattern of a patient. This signal is derived from the difference between a sensed signal indicative of the respiration and airflow generated by the device and a baseline signal. The parameter is adjusted so that the respiration signal is restricted to a predetermined dynamic range. A short term average of the respiration signal (taken over about 0.5 seconds) and a long term average of respiration signals (taken over about 12 seconds) are calculated based on the CPAP measure. These averages are used to monitor the dynamic change in the respiration signal. If a large variation in either average is detected, the baseline is set to a value selected to rapidly reduce the respiration signal to a lower offset.

Abstract: A gas mask and breathing equipment is provided including a compressor. The gas mask and breathing equipment provides good flushing out of the carbon dioxide during the phase of expiration with the lowest possible compressor output. An air channel (31) is formed by the visor (5) and an inner wall (4) extending in parallel to the visor and is provided in the area of the visor (5). The air is discharged through gas discharge openings (6) at the inner wall (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with equipment used in patient care, the arrangement comprising a controllable device (2a, 2b), a measuring device (5a, 5b) adapted to measure a measuring signal dependent on the controllable parameter, a measuring point of the measuring signal, a transmission link (21, 22) between the measuring point of the measuring signal and the measuring device, which transmission link requires a separate connection, whereby the measuring device (5a, 5b) is adapted to convert the measuring signal into measuring value which correlates with the operation of the controllable device, and the arrangement further comprising a user interface (20) and a control unit (7a, 7b) adapted to control the controllable device on the basis of the measuring value and the set values.

Abstract: A method for the detection and treatment of disordered breathing during sleep employs an artificial neural network (ANN) in which data related to breathing gas flow are analyzed. A respiratory circuit is established by connecting the patient to a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system with pressurized breathing gas supply, the gas flow in the circuit is periodically sampled, one or several cepstrum parameters distinctive of various breathing patterns are periodically calculated; the parameter values are periodically fed to an ANN trained to recognize breathing patterns characteristic of sleep disordered breathing and are analyzed in the network, the CPAP pressurized breathing gas supply is controlled in response to the ANN output. Also disclosed is a corresponding apparatus.

Abstract: An inhaler for medicament in powder form with an opening intended for inhalation. The powder medicament is arranged in the inhaler in a number of enclosures, each enclosure including a specific dose of medicament. A member is provided for enabling access to the dose of medicament. The member is arranged and designed such that it is able to be inserted inside the enclosure and establish at least one outlet passage, between the interior of the enclosure and the inhalation opening, through which outlet passage the medicament is delivered to the patient upon inhalation.

Abstract: A ventilator device and system comprising a rotating compressor, preferably a drag compressor, which, at the beginning of each inspiratory ventilation phase, is accelerated to a sufficient speed to deliver the desired inspiratory gas flow, and is subsequently stopped or decelerated to a basal flow level to permit the expiratory ventilation phase to occur. The ventilator device is small and light weight enough to be utilized in portable applications. The ventilator device is power efficient enough to operate for extended periods of time on internal or external batteries. Also provided is an oxygen blending apparatus which utilizes solenoid valves having specific orifice sizes for blending desired amounts of oxygen into the inspiratory gas flow. Also provided is an exhalation valve having an exhalation flow transducer which incorporates a radio frequency data base to provide an attendant controller with specific calibration information for the exhalation flow transducer.

Abstract: The present invention is an aerosol inhalation interface, and a method for its use. The device delivers a flow of aerosol medication to a patient breathing tidally by creating a medication rich environment proximal to the nose and mouth of the patient, while the patient is in a reclining position. The device, which is suspended above the patient's nose and mouth, is comprised of an aerosol generator, which generates medicated particles; a containment region, into which the generator discharges the medicated particles; a downwardly projecting outlet sleeve, which is connected to the containment region and channels the particles from the containment region to create a medication rich environment proximal to the nose and mouth of the patient; and an air movement deflector, which inhibits the dispersion of the particles and disturbance of the medication rich environment.

Abstract: A filter cartridge (5), suitable for attachment to a respiratory mask, has a housing that includes an air inlet (27), an air outlet (39), and filter material (17, 19) through which air to be filtered travels through when passing from the inlet to the outlet. At least part of the housing includes a sheet material (23) that is thermo-formed around the sides of the filter material.

Abstract: A breathing circuit comprising first and second conduits, wherein at least one of the conduits is a non-conventional conduit. In an embodiment, a multilumen unilimb breathing circuit has first and second conduits, wherein when the proximal ends of said first and second conduits are each connected to an inlet and outlet fitting, respectively, movement of the distal end of the first conduit causes a corresponding movement of the distal end of the second conduit. In an embodiment, at least one of said conduits is coiled. In another embodiment, a coiled conduit is contained within an outer flexible conduit that is axially extendable and compressible, forming a unilimb multilumen respiratory circuit. The outer flexible conduit may be pleated to provide for non-rebounding axial extension and contraction. The multilumen respiratory circuit can provide a variable rebreathing volume.

Abstract: An inhaler for delivering metered doses of powdered medicament, the inhaler having a plurality of compartments spaced in an array and each arranged to contain a metered dose of the medicament, a lever to displace the compartments one by one into line with an inhalation aperture that constitutes a mouthpiece, each compartment including inner and outer edges, the plurality of compartments being closed by a sealing layer, the inhaler further having a mechanism adapted to lift the sealing layer off the inner and outer edges of the compartment to open an air passageway defined by the compartment and the sealing layer so that, in use, on inhalation through the mouthpiece, air flow in the air flow passageway picks up and entrains the powder in the compartment to be drawn with the air out of the inhaler through the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A nasal cushion (30) comprises a substantially triangularly shaped frame (32) from which extends a membrane (34). The frame (32) has a scalloped edge (36) by which the cushion (30) is affixed to a mask body. The membrane (34) has an aperture (38) into which the wearer's nose is received. The membrane (34) is spaced away from the rim (40) of the frame (32), and its outer surface (41) is of substantially the same shape as the rim (40). Respective notches (42,44) receive the bridge of the wearer's nose. The wearer's nose is received through the aperture (38) into the chamber within the mask body (46). The seal forming portion (45) thus contacts both the surface of the wearer's nose and a portion of the wearer's face in the region between the base of the nose and the upper lip, and around the sides and over the bridge of the nose.

Abstract: A liquid reservoir for a nebulizer is comprised of a pair of membranes formed of resilient material and sealed about their edges to form a closed chamber between them for containing a liquid to be nebulized. When the chamber is filled with liquid and thereby expanded, the resilient membranes are distended to apply pressure to the liquid in the chamber. A discharge valve controls the discharge of liquid from the reservoir to the nebulizer under the pressure applied by the membranes. The reservoir is mounted on the nebulizer so that one of the membranes abuts a surface of the nebulizer that concavely deforms the membrane to increase the pressure applied to the liquid in the chamber to reduce or eliminate any residual volume of liquid in the chamber at the end of the discharging operation.

Abstract: A ventilation sound detection system includes an audible display that emits a series of sounds based upon information provided by a ventilator. In particular, there are two different sound patterns emitted by the system. One sound represents inspiration and the other sound represents expiration. The inspiration sound is enunciated when monitored breathing pressure crosses a threshold level, thereby communicating to an anesthesiologist/clinician that a significant pressure has been developed in the breathing circuit (e.g., a proper inspiration breath has been taken by the patient). The exhalation sound is enunciated when the rising edge of a valid CO2 breath has been returned to the breathing circuit (e.g., a proper exhalation breath has been made). Accordingly, the system provides the anesthesiologist/clinician with a new way of verifying that the patient is being properly ventilated. Therefore, ventilation changes or problems can be identified quickly and effectively.

Abstract: A adjustable nasal dilator filter incorporating unique insertable symmetrical loops with electrical and mechanical design features for improving breathing, air filtration, sleep and snoring which is adjustable, self adjusting, re-useable, comfortable, safe, economical and uses no drugs or adhesives. The device consists of two symmetric polymer loops formed by a retaining tube. The, material, size, configuration, and electrical characteristics of these loops was designed to improve nasal air filtration as well as reshape and strengthen the internal nasal breathing passageways in order to provide the stated positive benefits. The interface with the nostrils and combined functionality of this device including the air filtration feature and universal adjustability makes this device unique and superior to prior art.

Abstract: An inhaler for delivering medicament by inhalation, comprising a housing for holding a canister of medicament having a body and a valve stem compressible together to actuate the canister to deliver a dose of medicament from the valve stem, an actuation mechanism for compressing the canister, a cannister re-set mechanism comprising a locking element for locking the canister in a compressed state and a release member resiliently biassed by the actuation mechanism on compression of the canister to release the locking mechanism to allow reset of the canister. By provision of the locking element for locking the canister in a compressed state, it is possible to ensure re-set does not occur immediately. The release member subsequently releases the locking mechanism to allow re-set of the canister after a proper dose has been delivered.

Abstract: A banded nasal dilator is described. In a typical embodiment, the banded nasal dilator includes an elongated band that can wrap around the back of a user's head. Each end of the band includes a face pad having an adhesive portion that is adapted to connect to the user's cheek. A protective tab covers the adhesive portion until the dilator is ready for use, at which time the tab can be removed to expose the adhesive portions of the face pads. In one embodiment, each face tab can include an upper and lower strip that enclose an end of the band.

Abstract: An improved insufflation-exsufflation system for removal of broncho-pulmonary secretions with automatic triggering of inhalation phase includes a conduit for connection to a patient's airway; a pressure source with a positive pressure port and a negative pressure port; a switching device selectively connecting the conduit to the positive pressure port, the negative pressure port and the dwell port; the sensor system for sensing an inhalation by the patient; and a controller system for driving the switching device to connect the conduits sequentially to the positive port, the negative port and the dwell port and to return again to the positive port in response to the sensor system sensing an inhalation by the patient while the conduit is connected to the dwell port.

Abstract: A restraining harness for use in land vehicles including a torso binder and an anchor assembly for securing the torso binder adjacent a seat so as to restrain a handcuffed prisoner. A number of releasable fasteners associated with the torso binder and the anchor assembly permit the torso binder to be rapidly attached and detached from the torso binder.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system for reducing heating, air conditioning and power consumption of a building structure. The solar energy collector system includes a housing structure, a collector plate, an insulating sheet positioned between the collector plate and a floor of the housing structure, a thermopile unit within the housing structure, and a fluid positioned below the collector plate. The fluid adjacent the collector plate is heated thereby rising to an upper portion of the housing structure and thermally conducting the thermopile unit for generating electricity. The cooled fluid then passes downwardly below the insulating sheet to a lower portion of the housing structure. A heat exchanger is utilized upon the opposite side of the thermopile unit for transferring the heat to a desired location within or outside of the building structure.

Abstract: A respiratory protection apparatus has a face body, and a right side and a left side of a vertical centerline of the body are respectively provided with filtering devices each of which houses an electrical fan unit therein. Without narrowing the field of the front vision, without increasing the front side weight, and without deteriorating the work efficiency and comfortable fitting, the apparatus ensures the air flow rate of more than 120 liters per minute. Moreover, the electrical fan unit may be detachable from the face body, so that the face body is easily washed and parts are readily replaced with new ones.