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: 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 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.