Abstract: A patient assist lift (PAL) device comprising a contoured shell which provides many benefits to patients and rescuers. A PAL device reduces or eliminates the risks of injuring a patient during mobilization. A PAL device may be quickly and easily attached to a patient, and supports hips, spine, torso, and neck. Color coded straps encourage proper use of a PAL device. Ergonomic handles and straps reduce or eliminate injury to rescuers during lifting and movement of an injured person. A PAL device enables rescuers to lift and mobilize an injured person from any position and in any situation. A PAL device is especially effective in emergencies in providing a safe and efficient means to secure and move a patient with the least amount of effort while minimizing the risks and discomfort to both patient and rescuer in mobilizing such patient. A smaller PAL device can be used to immobilize children or extremities.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in atomizing and generating sprays from a fluid. The nozzle assembly includes two members, each with generally planar surfaces, that are joined together. A first set of channels is formed in the generally planar surface of a first one of the members to form, in cooperation with the generally planar surface of the second of the members, a plurality of filter passageways. A plenum chamber is formed in the first member. The plenum chamber is in fluid communication with and downstream of the plurality of filter passageways. A second set of channels is formed in the generally planar surface of the first member to form, in cooperation with the generally planar surface of the second member, a plurality of nozzle outlet passageways. These nozzle outlet passageways are in fluid communication with the plenum chamber.

Abstract: An adjustable position limb support for surgical tables consisting of a limb support arm, a limb cradle attached to the support arm and an orientation control device such as a movable handle located at the distal end of the support arm. The proximate end of the support arm engages a pivot assembly which has one section providing for rotational movement in the lithotomy direction; and a second section providing for rotational movement in the perpendicular abduction direction. Each section has a locking mechanism which is independently secured and released to position the arm as desired. One locking mechanism is operated by the rotation of the support arm and the other by an extendable and retractable linkage activated by the control device.

Abstract: A hemostasis tool is provided for stopping bleeding by absorbing blood from the wound and having blood diffusion and absorption abilities, which includes a lamination comprising a water-permeable inner material on a wound side, a water-impermeable outer material on a side departing from the wound side, a pulp-cotton laminated body between the inner and outer materials, a crust between the pulp-cotton laminated body and the water-impermeable outer material for diffusing the blood that has passed through the water-permeable inner material and the pulp-cotton laminated body, and a polymer for absorbing the blood diffused by the crust. Instead of the pulp-cotton laminated body, a synthesis fiber laminated body can be utilized in the hemostasis tool having a laminated structure.

Abstract: An improved humidifier assembly includes a tubing and a one-way valve for equalizing pressure between gas space of a water supply container and gas space of a humidifier vessel.

Abstract: Aerosol delivery systems and methods for delivering an agent to a patient are described herein. The present invention includes embodiments comprising an insulated receptacle connected to a body to hold a vial of an agent to be delivered to a patient. The vial is located in an inverted position within the receptacle and connected to the housing. One or more reusable thermal packs can be located on the inner sides of the receptacle, to maintain a selected temperature surrounding the vial. The agent is administered to a patient by placing a prong into one of the patient's orifices and then activating an aerosol delivery system. Such systems comprise jet aerosolization and pneumatic and ultrasonic nebulizers and preferably are portable.

Abstract: A ventilator device and system comprising a rotating compressor, preferably a drag compressor, which, at the beginning of each inspiratory ventilation phase, is accelerated to a sufficient speed to deliver the desired inspiratory gas flow, and is subsequently stopped or decelerated to a basal flow level to permit the expiratory ventilation phase to occur. The ventilator device is small and light weight enough to be utilized in portable applications. The ventilator device is power efficient enough to operate for extended periods of time on internal or external batteries. Also provided is an oxygen blending apparatus which utilizes solenoid valves having specific orifice sizes for blending desired amounts of oxygen into the inspiratory gas flow. Also provided is an exhalation valve having an exhalation flow transducer which incorporates a radio frequency data base to provide an attendant controller with specific calibration information for the exhalation flow transducer.

Abstract: An earplug (10) with a body front portion (22) for insertion into a person's ear canal, has a pocket (30) to increase comfort and is constructed to enhance noise attenuation. The pocket, which allows easier compression of the body front portion for increased comfort, has a plurality of baffles (50) that attenuate sound better than a pocket without baffles. The pocket with baffles is formed by a core pin (80) that lies in an injection mold (82) and that forms the pocket, the core pin having a plurality of slots (81) that form the baffles. The pocket includes a rear portion (36) that forms a wide passage, and the earplug includes a blocker portion (90) that partially or completely closes off the rear pocket passage.

Abstract: Guard structure (10) for protecting a lower limb, comprising a number of substantially rigid members (14, 26, 32), which are adapted to be removably and adjustably applied on to the thigh and the calf of the user. These rigid members are connected with each other in such a manner as to allow for the length of the entire structure to be adjusted in accordance with the actual length of the limb, in particular of the calf, while keeping the rigid members themselves joined with each other. The lower end portion of the structure, which is intended for wearing under the usual garment, is anchored in an adjustable manner to a containment shell (52) for a shoe (36).

Abstract: A method for producing a wound dressing wherein a curable silicone mixture is extruded onto a generally planar molding surface. The silicone mixture defines a first surface adjacent the planar surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The molding surface is heated at a curing temperature sufficient to cause the silicone mixture to cross-link. The silicone mixture is uniformly spread over the molding surface such that the silicone mixture has a generally uniform thickness and the second surface is substantially planar. The second surface of the silicone mixture is laminated to an absorbent material after the silicone mixture has started to cross-link and transform to a gel due to exposure to the heated molding surface.