Abstract: The invention relates to an injector device for delivery of liquid from a high pressure source, and also to a method of performing such an injection. The device comprises a storage chamber 6, for the liquid or the liquid precursor components, comprising a storage barrel 16 with at least a section of substantially constant cross-section, defining a storage chamber axis, and a pressure chamber 4 comprising a pressure barrel 10 of substantially constant cross-section, defining a pressure chamber axis, for accommodation of at least one piston therein and having a front end opening 14 for ejection of the liquid. The pressure chamber being of sufficient strength to sustain the liquid pressure.

Abstract: A flashlight for dispensing a substance from an aerosol canister includes an elongated housing having a front end, a rear end, and a central longitudinal axis, the aerosol canister being slidably received within the housing. The flashlight also includes at least one light emitting diode disposed approximate the front end of the housing and an elongated spray tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the aerosol canister and the spray tube extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis such that the distal end extends beyond the front end of the housing.

Abstract: A nasopharyngeal airway device has a tubular body with a securement assembly disposed at the proximal end thereof. The tubular body may include a plurality of apertures along the sidewall thereof. The securement assembly can include a flared flange and an outwardly extending locking protrusion. During use, the tubular body is positioned within the nasal passageway. The locking protrusion is bent and also inserted into the nasal passageway so as to secure the nasopharyngeal airway device in place.

Abstract: A therapeutic mobilization device is disclosed. The device includes a flexion assembly, a pro/supination assembly and a valgus carrying angle compensation device. The flexion assembly has an arm attachment assembly and an elbow actuator and the elbow actuator defines and axes of rotation. The pro/supination assembly is attached to flexion assembly and has a distal forearm attachment assembly and a pro/supination actuator operably connected thereto. The valgus carrying angle compensation device is operably attached to the flexion assembly and the pro/supination assembly. Preferably the pro/supination assembly is slidably mounted on a housing shaft whereby during flexion the pro/supination assembly is free to move along the housing shaft. Further, preferably the arm attachment assembly includes an attachment ring and an adjustable clamp pivotally attached thereto whereby the attachment ring defines a pro/supination axis and the adjustable clamp pivots orthogonally to the pro/supination axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a therapy device for the specifically local treatment and curing of colds in the region of the nose, frontal sinus and throat area in human beings. The external appearance of the therapy device can resemble that of a common hair dryer or face sauna, but the therapy device also contains a means for reducing or suppressing HF radiation (electrosmog) which is normally emitted towards the external environment. According to the invention, a body made of crystallized salt, especially from a natural source, resulting in negative ionization of the heated air flow, is arranged in the region of the heated air flow prior to the exit thereof from the small, handy device. The body is cross-flown by the heated air flow or is at least touched thereby. The treatment of colds with the aid of said therapy device is based on the fact that cold viruses, i.e., primarily rhino viruses and corona viruses, can be eliminated by active treatment with a heated air flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying a generally flat substrate that has been cleaned has a rotatable support for supporting the substrate, a substrate drying assembly, and a controller. The substrate drying assembly includes a substrate drying assembly support arm, an outlet for applying liquid to an upper surface of the substrate, and an outlet for applying a drying vapor to the upper surface of the substrate. The substrate drying assembly is configured to position the liquid applying outlet and to position the vapor applying outlet above a portion of the substrate. The controller causes the substrate drying assembly to be retracted over the upper surface of the substrate at a faster rate near a center of the substrate than near a periphery of the substrate.

Abstract: A method to maintain isocapnia for a subject. A fresh gas is provided to the subject when the subject breathes at a rate less than or equal to the fresh gas flowing to the subject. The fresh gas flow equal to a baseline minute ventilation minus a dead space gas ventilation of the subject contains a physiological insignificant amount of CO2. An additional reserve gas is provided to the subject when the subject breathes at a rate more than the fresh gas flowing to the subject. The reserve gas has a partial pressure of carbon dioxide equal to an arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide of the subject. A breathing circuit is applied to the method to maintain isocapnia for a subject. The breathing circuit has an exit port, a non-rebreathing valve, a source of fresh gas, a fresh gas reservoir and a reserve gas supply.

Abstract: A face mask for use in gas delivery applications, such as breathable gas or aerosol drug systems. The face mask includes a body having a peripheral edge for placement against the face of a wearer. The peripheral edge defines a single chamber over the nose and the mouth of the wearer. An inlet opening is formed on a surface of the body for supplying inhalation gas to the nose through the chamber. A vent assembly inwardly extends from the surface of the body to the chamber and seals around the mouth for passing exhalation gas to the exterior of the body.

Abstract: A method for determining a mask-fit test pressure to be applied to a wearer's mask by ventilatory assistance apparatus includes adaptively determining the mask-fit pressure from prior use.

Abstract: A lower torso support has first and second front panels that are attachable to each other and independently moveable with respect to the side portions of the support. The front panels can be any suitable dimensions. However, slipper shapes are deemed to be the most useful, with front panels preferably at least 15 cm long and at least 6 cm tall at their tallest point. In preferred embodiments the front panels are readily attachable to and detachable from the side portions in a wide variety of superior to inferior and medial to lateral positions. At present the preferred mechanism for making those connections is a hook and loop mechanism, which has the advantage of also allowing the front panels to be angled with respect to the side portions in any suitable orientation.

Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension inhibitor while allowing freedom of spinal flexion. The implant includes an elliptically-shaped spacer for positioning between and spacing apart the spinous processes.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a pressure chamber for hypobaric use is disclosed. The mechanism includes one or more pin modules positioned on a periphery of a door of the pressure chamber, the door being adapted to open into the chamber and abut a frame of the pressure chamber when the door is in a closed position. The mechanism further includes an actuator for selectively engaging or disengaging the pin with the frame. The pin module may include a pin adapted to be selectively positioned in an engaged or a disengaged position. The pin in the engaged position extends from the door to the frame of the pressure chamber, thereby preventing the door from opening into the chamber. The pin module includes a cylinder for actuating the pin. The cylinder may be a pneumatic cylinder operated with pneumatic pressure. The pneumatic cylinder of each of the pin modules may be centrally actuated.

Abstract: A lower leg appliance provides padding and cushion support for the knee, ankle and hip joints in the leg, by providing a hard surfaced knee pad, a hard surfaced ankle pad and a soft surface calf and thigh pad positioned between the calf and thigh, held in place by at least three adjustable straps having a closure means, the three pads working in conjunction to provide relief and support to a persons knees, ankles and hips while squatting or kneeling during chores, activities or labor.

Abstract: A laryngeal airway device, having an airway tube which has an internal passage in the airway tube wall for receiving a cuff inflation line, and a dome having an inlet and an outlet, where the dome is connected at its inlet with the distal end of the airway tube. The device also includes an annular spoon-shaped inflatable cuff connected with the periphery of the outlet of the dome; a cuff inflation line configured to be in fluid communication with the internal space of the cuff; and a multi-lobed aperture formed in the dome. The aperture is configured to be in fluid communication with the proximal end of the airway tube. The dome has protrusions forming the multi-lobed aperture, such that a flap is configured to prevent the obstruction of the aperture by a patient's epiglottis when the device is inserted into the patient.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus used for collecting fluids during a medical procedure includes a fluid collection pouch having an open end, an inflatable bladder substantially surrounding a perimeter of the open end, and a pump coupled to the inflatable bladder. The pump is operable to inflate the inflatable bladder. According to another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus used for collecting fluids during a medical procedure includes a fluid collection pouch having an open end with a perimeter, a channel surrounding approximately one half of the perimeter of the open end, an inflatable bladder disposed within the channel, and a pump disposed within the channel and coupled to the inflatable bladder. The pump is operable to inflate the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: The present invention is related to patient interfaces, such as nasal masks (2), particularly though not solely for use in providing continuous positive airway pressure therapy or positive pressure ventilation to patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea. In a first form the invention is a patient interface that has securement means (601) releasably attaching the interface to headstraps wherein the securement means (601) is slidably engaged with the patient interface. In a second form of the invention the mask headgear is formed of a plurality of straps (701, 702) where at least one of the plurality of straps is slidably engaged with another of the plurality of straps. In a further form the patient interface may be provided with vertically adjustable engaging means (802) that engage the patient interface with the headgear straps.

Abstract: A traction chair system for efficiently relieving an individual of lower back pain. The traction chair system includes a chair frame, a seat, a plurality of actuators attached between the chair frame and the seat for elevating/lowering the seat, a backrest, a harness attached to the backrest for securing an individual to the backrest, a motor mechanically elevating/lowering the backrest, and a control unit in communication with the actuators and the motor. A scale is positioned within the seat and in communication with the control unit for providing feedback to the individual regarding the actual amount of traction occurring. The amount of traction being applied to an individual is shown upon a display of the control unit.

Abstract: A disposable sterile surgical drape with pre-attached disposable sterile instruments for use in a selected surgical procedure is provided. The disposable sterile surgical drape basically comprises a drape having a size for covering an operating table and a patient thereon and having an incision opening formed therein, a patient heat distributing pad pre-attached to the bottom side of the drape, an absorbent cloth surrounding the incision opening pre-attached to the bottom side of the drape, a cover for the incision opening in the drape pre-attached to the top side of the drape, and the surgical instruments and connecting tubes or wires required to accomplish the surgical procedure pre-attached to the drape.

Abstract: A device and method for tilting an unconscious patient's head rearward and lifting his chin to prevent an airway obstruction from developing during intravenous anesthesia when the patient is unconscious but still breathing spontaneously during surgery. The invention is comprised of a neck support for positioning a patient's head in a face-up, supine position and provide a fulcrum for tilting the head rearward on a surface, such as the top surface of an operating table or hospital cart. An extensible swing-arm mounted on an end portion of the neck support carries a cross-arm and a chin support. The swing-arm is rotated, the chin support is engaged with the patient's chin and the patient's head is extended and chin is lifted by an anesthetist provider. The swing-arm and chin cup are mechanically fixed to release the anesthetist provider from the task of maintaining the rearward tilt of the head and chin lifted positions.

Abstract: Ribbed heat exchange tubes in which the aspect ratio of the ribs is less than 5, provide greater indirect heat exchange than conventional heat exchange tubes with or without fins, when used in a slurry comprising a liquid phase, in which is dispersed flowing gas bubbles or particulate solids and flowing gas bubbles. The ribs, and typically also the longitudinal axis of the heat exchange tubes, are aligned in a direction parallel to, or spirally along the gas bubble flow direction. This is useful to increase either (i) the productivity of a slurry Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis reactor without an increase in the temperature in the reactor or (ii) increasing the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons by reducing the reaction temperature at a given feed conversion.