Abstract: A flexible tracheotomy endotracheal tube comprises a short distal section of tubing, an intermediate section of tubing, a pre-formed obtuse-angle bend in the tube between the distal and intermediate sections, an elongated proximal section of tubing, a pre-formed abrupt bend in the tube between the intermediate and proximal sections, and an inflatable cuff integrated into the distal section of tubing.

Abstract: An improved endotracheal tube system and method of use is provided. The improved endotracheal tube system includes a standard endotracheal tube, an adapter with a first tube that may be positioned within an endotracheal tube and a second tube adapted for attachment to a bag-valve mask. The adapter has a CO2 detector within it. The improved endotracheal tube system may also have a stylet positioned within the endotracheal tube and the adapter. The stylet may have a handle attached to it for easy removal from the adapter.

Abstract: A bed sore prevention assembly includes a flexible panel that has a first side, a second side, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A plurality of cushion members is attached to the first side of the panel. A fastening member selectively secures the panel in a loop formation. The fastening member includes a first engaging member that is attached to the first side of the panel and positioned adjacent to the first lateral edge and a second engaging member that is attached to the second side of the panel and positioned adjacent to the second lateral edge of the panel. The first engaging member is adapted for removably coupling with the second engaging member to define a body wrap.

Abstract: A fluid-dispenser dose counter including two superposed count disks (10, 20). The first disk (10) may be a units disk, and the second disk (20) may be a tens and/or hundreds disk. Each disk (10, 20) is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (23, 33), the axes of rotation (23, 33) being parallel to and offset from each other. The counter also includes a cover (30). The cover (30) may define the axis of rotation (33) of the first disk (10) and the axis of rotation (23) of the second disk (20).

Abstract: An improved needle driver, wherein the needle driver includes an elongated body having a substantially hollow interior portion and a first and second ends. An actuator extending from the first end of the elongated body is included and is in communication with the substantially hollow interior portion. A selectively compressible air reservoir is included and positioned within the substantially hollow interior portion and is in communication with the actuator. A pair of mechanically actuated opposing jaw members extending from the second end of the elongated body into the substantially hollow interior portion are included, the pair of opposing jaw members are generally in communication with the actuator. An inflatable air reservoir is included and annularly positioned about the pair of opposing jaw members and is in communication with the selectively compressible air reservoir.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in sidestream gas sampling assembly. The filter assembly of the present invention includes a hydrophilic liner lining the inner perimeter of a housing for wicking moisture from the gases to be monitored prior to the gases reaching a sensing mechanism. The filter further includes a hydrophobic member positioned downstream of the hydrophilic liner. The hydrophobic disk acts as a second line of defense against moisture reaching the sensing mechanism. In one embodiment, the filter further include an absorbent layer positioned between the cylindrical housing and the hydrophilic layer to aid in wicking moisture from the gas stream. In a further embodiment, the hydrophobic disk is eliminated and the hydrophilic member is situated such that gas entering the filter assembly must pass through at least a portion the hydrophilic member.

Abstract: A balloon catheter device that provides radial delivery of visible or near-infrared radiation. The radial delivery of visible or near-infrared radiation to the pulmonary vein is particularly effective in creating transmural, continuous, and circumferential lesions in the pulmonary vein. Creation of these lesions electrically isolates the pulmonary veins from the left atrium of the heart and, thus is a particularly suitable method for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: A humidifier is provided including a first humidifier part, a second humidifier part connectable with the first humidifier part, and a sealing gasket disposed between the first and second humidifier parts. The second humidifier part is configured to hold a volume of liquid therein and the first and second humidifier parts and the sealing gasket define first and second internal passages within the humidifier. The first passage is disposed so as to be exposed to a surface of the volume of liquid and the second passage is isolated from at least one of the first passage and the surface of the volume of liquid. The second passage is configured to communicate with a pressure and/or sound sensing device.

Abstract: A positioner to control the position of a finger or thumb of the hand, comprising an elongated, flexible holder configured to extend along the upper side of the user's finger or thumb; a retainer carried by the holder to retain the tip of the user's finger or thumb, the holder adapted to be anchored, remotely from the retainer, endwise thereof; the holder configured to flex, thereby allowing bending of the finger or thumb, producing tensioning of the holder that resists such bending.

Abstract: Described are sleeping apparatus and related methods that involve a motion-limiting member, a therapeutic device, or both, positioned at the lumbar spine.

Abstract: A pressure support system having enhanced noise reduction and a valve assembly for use in pressure support system. The pressure support system includes a pressure generator having an inlet and an outlet. A first conduit defining a tortuous path is coupled between a gas source and the inlet of the pressure generator. A second conduit coupled to the outlet of the pressure generator delivers the flow of gas from the pressure generator to a patient. A valve assembly communicates gas from the second conduit to the first conduit to control the pressure or a rate of the flow of gas in the second conduit. By communicating gas from the second conduit to the first conduit, the noise associated with exhausting gas from the second conduit is muffled by the tortuous path of the first conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chipper knife for chippers of the type comprising a tool (12) which is rotatable on an axis of rotation and is in the form of, for example a drum, disc or truncated conical body, which supports a plurality of such chipper knives. The chipper knife comprises at least one cutting edge (1) which is formed between a flank (2, 2?) and a chip guiding surface (4, 4?), and two opposite main surfaces (3, 3?) which are adapted to abut against and be retained on the opposite seats (14, 15) of a holder (9, 10) on the tool. At least one main surface (3, 3?) of the chipper knife which is located on a wood side of the chipper knife comprises a cross-sectionally convexly bent surface portion (6, 5?) which connects to and extends backwards from the flank (2, 2?) and the chord of which constitutes at least 20%, preferably at least 30% and, most preferably, at least 40% of the total cross-sectional length of the chipper knife. The invention also relates to a holder for such a chipper knife.

Abstract: A wound dressing bandage having an integral support and adhesive carrying body with a central absorbent dressing pad for positioning over a skin wound. The support and adhesive body member has a tough flexible resilient sheet defining a perimeter band about the dressing pad. An engagement tab extends beyond the perimeter for frangible release and removal of the release sheet during application.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a snorkel clip comprising a first clip member attached to a strap of a face mask for swimming or diving and a second clip member to which a breathing conduit of the snorkel is attached. The first clip member has a guide enabling the second clip member coupled to the first clip member to be moved in a longitudinal direction of the strap. The first and second clip members are formed with stopper means adapted to retain the second clip member at a desired position in the guide.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus wherein raw material may be crushed to fine particles of desirous size to be mixed uniformally by multi-layered mixing blocks. The mixing apparatus includes a plurality of mixing units piled up in a housing, and arrays of projections formed at the facing side of the mixing units and located alternately in order to form concentric circles which are not interfered with each other. The mixing units are formed with first and second pairs of upper and lower disks. The arrays of the projections are formed on the outer surface of the pairs of disks, and the fluid passages are formed between the upper and lower disks. The inflow passages are opened to the fluid passages which are formed between the lower disks of each pair and the housing. The outflow passages are formed at the inner surface of the upper disks of each pair and the mixing units are attachable in multiple layers.

Abstract: A medical device for overcoming upper airway obstruction when a patient is placed in a supine position, featuring a flat rectangular support base that attaches to the support frame perpendicularly, and a variation of lower jaw supports that attach to the support frame after encircling the patient's lower jaw.

Abstract: A shoulder brace (10) including front (80) and rear pressure pads to be respectively positioned on front and rear portions of an individual's shoulder joint, a support member (18) to be positioned at a mid-section of the individual, a front frame member connected to the support member and the front pressure pad, and a rear frame member connected to the support member and the rear pressure pad. Also included is an arm cuff to be positioned on the arm of the individual, and a compression mechanism (20) configured to compress the front and rear frame members in accordance with a movement of the individual's arm such that the front and rear pressure pads press against the individual's shoulder joint.

Abstract: A compression garment for compressing a portion of a body of a patient includes a tubular body. The body includes an outer layer and an inner layer secured to the outer layer. The inner layer at least partially bounds a channel adapted to receive a portion of a body of a patient. The inner layer includes a backing having a plurality of pressure projections extending therefrom. A layer of compressible cushioning material is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. Compression straps are disposed on the body for selectively constricting the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling heat producing devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a heat absorber attached to a first end of a base. Both the base and the heat absorber may be formed of a thermally conductive material, and a width of the heat absorber is greater than a width of the base.

Abstract: A condom retaining device for use with a standard condom has a an elongated elastic strap forming two leg openngs and a condom-retaining strap forming an opening through which the penis can be inserted. The leg straps encircle the user's legs. The user places a standard condom over the penis down to the base and rolls the open end bead of the condom around an O-ring. The penis is then inserted through the opening in the retainer and the condom with attached ring at the base of the condom is held in place by the retainer.