Abstract: A portable biofeedback apparatus and method for simultaneously gathering information regarding more than one type of musculoskeletal stress. The apparatus has at least two different types of user-selectable sensors for converting different kinds of musculoskeletal activities into electrical signals. An analog-to-digital converter samples the electrical signals at predetermined rates. A memory receives and stores the digital signals. A processor centrally controls the collection, sampling, display and transmittal of the digital data. Magnitudes of the digital signals are simultaneously and in real-time graphically portrayed as a function of time.

Abstract: Hypoxic tent system represents a portable travel version of Hypoxic Room System and is designated mostly for passive hypoxic training of athletes during rest. The system consists of a light portable tent, which can be easily erected on a bed or mattress. The tent is supported by a supporting structure, which can be disassembled in segments or deflated. Oxygen-depleted air is transmitted inside the tent by hypoxic generator, which employs membrane separation or pressure-swing adsorption principles for extracting oxygen from ambient air. Oxygen-depleted air is also filtered by HEPA filter and may be chilled by an optional air cooler. Hypoxic tent system can be easily packed in a travel case and installed in any hotel room by attaching to a bed. Hypoxic tent system provides a low-oxygen environment with preferably 11 to 15% oxygen and can also be used by disabled for exercising their cardiopulmonary systems, increasing strength, endurance and boosting immunity.

Abstract: An anesthesia delivery system having a means of determining the functioning of its gas mixer, vaporizer and analyzers, their accuracies and other characteristics by comparing, at high flow conditions, the input of oxygen concentration and agent concentration set by a clinician and delivered by the system, the input from a feedback respiratory analyzer of the inspired O.sub.2 and agent concentrations and the input of a monitor analyzer that determines the O.sub.2 and agent concentrations in the patient circuit. A CPU compares the three sets of input data to make various determinations since, at high flow conditions, all of the three sets of data should be consistent. Thus the CPU can determine from a comparison, whether one set of data is indicative of a faulty device, can provide a bias adjustment if an analyzer is merely off in its readings or carry out other safety and corrective functions based on comparing the three data inputs.

Abstract: The present invention provides humidifiers for use in maintaining tobacco at desired levels of humidity. The humidifier includes a humidifier tank having a reservoir chamber fluidly connected to a pair of evaporation chambers by a pair of capillary tubes having a fluid passageway. Evaporation media is contained within the evaporation chambers. A pair of shutters having shutter openings are adjustably mounted on the evaporation chambers to open and close front evaporation openings in the evaporation chambers. Rear evaporation openings are also provided on the evaporation chambers which are continuously open. The humidifying fluid evaporates from the evaporation media in the evaporation chambers through the front and rear evaporation openings to humidify the tobacco environment. A fluid level indicator on the humidifier permits the fluid level in the humidifier to be monitored and the humidifier to be refilled as needed.

Abstract: A ventilator for intensified breathing that includes a single safety valve arranged in the gas mixture and inhalation conduit assembly. The single safety valve includes a restrictor valve for overpressure in the breathing system, a valve that allows breathing from the atmosphere, and a directional valve for inhalation. The safety valve is arranged and controlled by an electronic control system of the ventilator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic atomizer device (2) for a fluid (60), in particular a bronchospasmolytic agent, in which a propelling element (10) operable by an electronic circuit (6) to deliver the fluid to an atomization surface (28) that is also supplied with ultrasound waves from the electronic circuit (6) is provided in a housing (4), the propelling element (10) having a coupling member (32) which is meshing with a further coupling member (34) of a replaceable dosating unit (14) for transferring propelling power to the dosating unit (14) to effect a linear movement (68) of a piston (66) arranged in an ampoule (28) within the dosating unit (14). The invention also relates to a system comprising a device (2) as described and a dosating unit (14) inserted into that device (2).

Abstract: An adjustable pressure limiting valve having a non-linear biasing means. The valve has a movable valve member that can be moved to an open position by a predetermined pressure and a closed position on a valve seat. A rotating control knob is rotated by the user to adjust the bias acting against the movable valve member toward the closed position to, in turn, set the pressure at which the valve opens. A rotating cylindrical drum rotates along with the control knob and has a helical groove formed in its exterior and a pair of fixed pins that ride in the helical groove. When the cylindrical drum is rotated, the fixed pins riding in the helical grove cause the cylindrical drum to move along its longitudinal axis to compress or decompress a spring acting against the movable valve member. The pitch of the helical groove is designed so as to create a non-linear relationship between the rotational movement of the control knob and the longitudinal movement of the cylindrical drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ventilator pressure and optimization administers fixed stepwise pressure changes to the lungs of a patient and measures the lung volume change resulting from each pressure change. Critical opening pressure, critical closing pressure, and overdistention pressure are determined by changes in lung volume corresponding to the fixed stepwise pressure changes.

Abstract: A trading card capable of generating sounds comprises a thin housing having front and back surfaces, flexible sheets affixed to the front surface and to the back surface of the housing, a voice chip located in the housing for generating patterns of sounds, a battery located in the housing for supplying electrical power to the voice chip, and a switch located in the housing for activating the voice chip. The subject trading card may be activated by squeezing the flexible sheets between the thumb and forefinger at a selected switch location.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for inducing a pediatric patient to inhale a fluid pharmacological agent through a face mask. The apparatus comprises a fluid conduit through which fluid pharmacological agent may be inhaled, and a visual patient stimulator coupled to said conduit and accuatable by inspiratory or expiratory flow through said conduit. The visual stimulator of the present invention changes color in response to changing gas levels which occur during inspiration and expiration.

Abstract: A bottom of a mouthpiece 2 of a snorkel comprises a first base plate 16 having through-holes 22 for drainage and against which a non-return valve 7 bears from the outside, second base plates 17 spaced from the first base plate 16 toward a top of the snorkel so as to cover the through-holes and supports 18 extending between the first plate 16 and each of the second base plates 17. The interior of the mouthpiece 2 drainably communicates with the exterior thereof through openings defined between the first base plate 16 and each of the second base plates 17 and the through-holes 22, when the non-return valve 7 is opened.

Abstract: The gas mixing apparatus provides the components of a breathing gas for mixing at approximately ambient atmospheric pressure, and regulates the pressure of a selected gas to approximately ambient atmospheric pressure for mixing with air at ambient atmospheric pressure. The gas mixing apparatus includes a piston disposed within a pump chamber. A flow limiting inlet controls introduction of a first selected gas such as oxygen for mixing with a second selected gas such as air. The pressure of the first selected gas is limited to an acceptable maximum pressure, so that even if a valve for admitting the first selected gas for mixing at ambient pressure fails, breathing gas will not be provided at an excessive pressure.

Abstract: An endotracheal oral tube holder made up of two separate parts, the face anchor and the tube cradle. The face anchor has buckles which hold a head harness. The face anchor is made of a material which allows it to conform to the contours of the face of the patient. The face anchor also has a pivot hole to which the tube cradle is affixed by a rivot. The endotrachael tube moves transversely across the mouth due to the pivoting action of the tube cradle. The tube cradle has a "living hinge" which allows the endotracheal tube to move longitudinally.

Abstract: The respiratory gas analyzer (10), in one embodiment, is used for in-stream analysis of a patient breathing circuit (12). The analyzer includes a source (12) of infrared illumination, a modulator (28) for modulating the infrared illumination on a wavelength dependent basis to yield a modulated signal, a transmitter/detector unit (32) for transmitting the modulated signal through the breathing circuit (12) and detecting the transmitted signal, and a processing unit (34) for determining composition information regarding a sample under analysis based on the detected, modulated signal. The modulator (28) may include, for example, a Michelson interferometer for transforming the illumination into a frequency domain signal. The modulated signal allows for use of a compact detector system at the respiratory circuit interface. In addition, infrared fiber optics can be utilized to minimize instrumentation/optics at the interface.

Abstract: A compact ashtray assembly having a hollow closable housing with upper and a lower members. Insertable into the lower member is a removable tray member with a depending ash receiving well having its own closable top cover member. By rotating a handle on the well top cover it may be closed or opened. Appropriate locks and mounts for the tray permit it to be retained within the housing lower member. Additional features include a storage chamber pocket located in the housing's upper member for smoker articles such as cigarettes, lighters, matches, etc.

Abstract: A valve for a respirator with a closing member, which is located at a valve seat 6 and is actuated by an electric drive 12, is improved in terms of its dynamic properties. A detector for detecting a first electric signal present at the moving drive a simulator for simulating a second electric signal generated at the nonmoving drive are provided. A comparator forms a differential signal between the first electric signal and the second electric signal. A closed action (feed back loop) circuit sets the position of the closing element in relation to the valve seat according to a preset valve p.sub.s. The differential signal is applied to the control circuit are provided.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for the functional assessment of an inherited metabolic disorder in infants and children including administering to the patient a predetermined substrate labeled with a stable non-radioactive isotope of carbon .sup.13 C, analyzing the breath samples for the isotopic abundance of .sup.13 CO.sub.2, and calculating the quantity of substrate oxidized for determining the rate of substrate oxidation.

Abstract: A vaporizer carousel for an anaesthetic machine has a gas supply device on which a holder for at least one vaporizer is arranged in a rotating fashion. A coaxial gas coupling area is arranged between the gas supply device and the holder in order to achieve an uninterrupted flow of gas between the gas supply device and the holder, regardless of the holder angle of rotation in relation to the gas supply device. The coaxial gas coupling area is formed by first and second connecting conduit in the gas supply device, first and second gas conduits in the holder and a gas space between the gas supply device and the holder.

Abstract: A strapless respiratory facial mask for attachment to the wearer's face including a mask having a central section and three edges forming a generally triangular configuration for covering and surrounding the nose of the wearer; wherein the first and second edges of the mask extend along the opposite sides of the nose of the wearer, and the third edge extends across the upper lip area of the wearer. The central section of the mask is formed of a thermoplastic material and has a first central opening formed therein for making an external connection to the mask, and having a second central opening below the first central opening and an external tubular section connected to the second central opening for making a connection to a gas supply. The mask further includes an elastic and moldable cushioning material connected to the first, second and third edges of the mask to form a peripheral sealing section for engaging the facial contours and skin of the wearer's face.

Abstract: A special gas dose delivery unit for respiratory equipment has a special gas flow conduit connected to a special gas source. The unit includes a supply of carrier gas for the special gas, preferably obtained by withdrawing gas from the inspiration limb of the patient breathing circuit. A valve, controllable in accordance with desired special gas dose parameters and the breathing pattern of the patient, injects the special gas into the carrier gas for provision to the outlet conduit of the special gas dose delivery unit. The outlet conduit is connected to the patient limb of the breathing circuit for delivery to the patient.