Abstract: A disposable aerosol generator for use with an inhaler device which includes a heater adapted to volatilize fluid stored in the disposable aerosol generator and method of using the inhaler. The disposable body includes a sealed chamber and an outlet, the chamber being located between first and second layers of material. The chamber holds a predetermined volume of a fluid which is expelled through the outlet when the fluid in the chamber is volatilized by the heater. The disposable body can include a series of spaced apart aerosol generators, each of which can be advanced to a release position at which the heater can heat one of the fluid containing chambers. Prior to heating the fluid, the outlet can be formed by severing the first and/or second layer with a piercing element and the volatilized fluid can be expelled from the outlet into a passage of a dispensing member.

Abstract: In a respiratory apparatus for treatment of sleep apnea and other disorders associated with an obstruction of a patient's airway and which uses an airflow signal, an obstruction index is generated which detects the flattening of the inspiratory portion of the airflow. The obstruction index is used to differentiate normal and obstructed breathing. The obstruction index is based upon different weighting factors applied to sections of the airflow signal thereby improving sensitivity to various types of respiration obstructions.

Abstract: A filtering face mask that covers at least the nose and mouth of a wearer and that includes an exhalation valve. The exhalation valve opens in response to increased pressure when the wearer exhales to allow the exhaled air to be rapidly purged from the mask interior. An exhale filter element may be placed in one of several locations in the exhale flow stream to remove contaminants from the exhaled air. The face mask is beneficial in that it provides comfort to the wearer by allowing warm, moist, high-CO2-content air to be rapidly evacuated from the mask interior through the valve and also protects the wearer from splash fluids and polluted air while at the same time protecting other persons or things from being exposed to contaminants in the exhale flow stream.

Abstract: A monitoring process for the reliable metering of different gaseous anesthetics uses a gaseous anesthetic monitor designed as only a single-channel monitor for determining the concentration of only one gaseous anesthetic. The process also uses an associated gaseous anesthetic metering means.

Abstract: A Self Contained Re-breathing apparatus with a single bank of oxygen sensors for signaling oxygen contact back to a display and oxygen valve control, where the signal is set via two identical and independent sets of signal control circuitry which are interconnected in a primary and secondary relationship. The primary circuitry controlling the valve and the secondary circuitry sending a signal to a display, wherein the two identical and independent sets of circuitry can perform each role and serve to confirm the satisfactory operation of a master signal processing circuit.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler for use with a blister pack is disclosed. The inhaler has a dosing mechanism that releases powder from a variable number of blisters in the blister pack into an inhalation channel, such that the actual dose administered by the inhaler can be varied with each use of the inhaler.

Abstract: The pressure of breathable gas exiting a flow generator is controlled by adjusting the efficiency of the flow generator. In one embodiment, a baffle plate of a control element can restrict the open entry area of a motor driven turbine of the flow generator. In another embodiment, the degree of opening of the mouth of the flow generator inlet is automatically adjustable in response to the needs of the user, hence creating a pneumatic impedance, and which simultaneously controls, in the same manner, the impedance of the outlet of the device.

Abstract: A multi-purpose oxygen face mask which functions as three different masks at once: regular, aerosol, and non-rebreather is disclosed. The mask fits over the nose and mouth area of the wearer and is secured by a head strap, a neck strap and a bendable aluminum strip over the nose area. The straps are secured by a multiple hole adjustment and securing system and those straps that come in contact with a patient's cheek and ear area are padded with a soft foam padding for increased comfort. A plurality of access ports with snap covers allows for the connection of standard hoses and attachments to configure to mask in the abovementioned manners. The ports are duplicated on either side of the mask to allow for access from the right or left side of the patient's body.

Abstract: An inhalation device is provided by means of which material in powder form can be inhaled. The device comprises a body 55 defining a reservoir 56 for medicaments in powder form, an outlet 57 through which a user can inhale and a dosing member 53 with at least one metering recess 65 formed therein. The dosing member 53 is moveable between a position in which the at least one metering recess 65 communicates with the reservoir 56 to receive a dose of powder therefrom and a position in which the at least one metering recess 65 communicates with the outlet 57 to permit the user to inhale the dose. The at least one metering recess 65 is formed in a face of the dosing member 53, the said face being mounted in contact against a similar mating face 60 of the body 55 at the lower end of the reservoir 56. At least one moveable weight may be incorporated within the device, adapted to strike an anvil surface when the device is shaken.

Abstract: An oxygen mixing arrangement for or in a pressure support ventilator, in which a modular oxygen-providing assembly is selectively insertable into a greater respiration apparatus. Mixing accuracy and controllability is maintained by using gas supplies that have a wide range of pressures. Further, oxygen leakage is minimized by connecting the modular oxygen-providing assembly at a point of the respiration circuit of the greater respiration apparatus that is downstream from a valving arrangement normally used for venting patient exhaust flow and for controlling system pressure by venting excess gas flow to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: An electret filter media, and mask, that is made of a nonwoven web of thermoplastic microfibers. The thermoplastic microfibers are of substantially the same composition, are nonconductive, and have an effective fiber diameter less than about 15 micrometers. The nonwoven web also has sufficient unpolarized trapped charge to exhibit an initial filtration quality factor of at least 0.31 when measured under the DOP Penetration and Pressure Drop Test.