Abstract: Discloses is a micro-pump that includes a pump body having a compartmentalized pump chamber, with plural inlet and outlet ports and a plurality of membranes disposed in the pump chamber to provide compartments. The membranes are anchored between opposing walls of the pump body and carry electrodes disposed on opposing surfaces of the membranes and walls of the pump body. Also discloses are applications of the micro-pump including as a heat remover and a self-contained continuous positive airway pressure breathing device.

Abstract: A flexible patient cassette that can be optimized for different types of breathing circuits, different drive circuits and different patient categories has a first inlet arranged to be connected to a drive circuit, and at least a second inlet arranged to be connected to a patient connector, the first and second inlets being pneumatically connected with each other through a gas conducting passage constituting a patient circuit having a certain volume. The patient cassette has a volume-varying arrangement for varying the patient circuit volume to allow that volume to be varied in dependence of at least one of the type of breathing circuit in which the patient cassette is used, the type of drive circuit to which the patient cassette is connected, and the tidal volume of a patient connected to the patient connector.

Abstract: A nebulizer adapter kit including a T-shaped adapter having cylindrical upper and lower portions and a safety cap on the lower portion. A direct flow valve on and in fluid communication with each of the proximal end and a channel stemming from a nebulizer medicine reservoir separate from the nebulizer machine. The direct flow valve is in operational and fluid communication with a direct flow tube. A shut-off valve is between and in fluid communication with the direct flow tube and a mouthpiece. A drip-reduction ring on the adapter bottom end inserts within an upper outlet of the nebulizer machine. A gas source is attachable to and in fluid communication with the nebulizer machine to convert liquid therapy medication into a mist, which is formed within the direct flow valve, rather than inside the nebulizer machine.

Abstract: A connector system for connecting a cable having a length to an item includes a base operatively connectible to the item, the base including a channel to seat at least a portion of the cable, the channel being in operative connection with the item upon connection of the base to the item, and a rotatable member which is rotatable relative to the base. The cable is in operative connection with the rotatable member so that, as the rotating member rotates relative to the base, a bend in the cable is formed at different locations in the length of the cable such that the different locations define different lengths of the cable. The different lengths of the cable become positioned within the channel as the rotating member rotates relative to the base.

Abstract: A portable rescue inhaler having a first canister containing a gas mixture of helium, oxygen, and nitrogen, and having a second canister containing an aerosolized medicine. The gas mixture of helium, oxygen, and nitrogen contained in the first canister has a density slightly lower than the density of atmospheric air. The portable rescue inhaler is capable of delivering the lower density gas mixture simultaneously with the aerosolized medicine for emergency hand held rescue of patients suffering from asthma, asthmatic bronchitis, COPD, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, and myocardial insufficiency. The portable rescue inhaler is capable of providing a vaporized anesthetic for greater medical assistance for patients in need of anesthesia due to respiratory insufficiency. The portable rescue inhaler reduces intra-operative risks in respiratory patients prior to gaining access to a hospital or care center.

Abstract: A low cost medical humidifier for adding moisture to a patient air flow is disclosed. The humidifier comprises a water reservoir, a disposable evaporative wick containing a heater, a lid containing electrical contacts to engage the heater in the wick and airway connections. The wick heater comprises a PET film with aluminum tracks and a cover layer of PTC resistive ink. The heater is covered with paper to provide a water pathway via capillary flow. There is a capillary path from the water reservoir to the wick. The wick and heater are manufactured with printing and calendaring processes in reel to reel processes.