Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a nasal passage of a nose from constricting during breathing, the nose including a summit and a spaced-apart base presenting an orifice and an outer wall bounding a nasal passage, the outer wall having a substantially concave outer surface extending substantially from the summit to the base, the apparatus comprising a resilient body having a normal state, the resilient body engagable when flexed with the substantially concave surface of the nose extending longitudinally substantially from the summit to the base, the inherent tendency of the resilient body to assume the normal state to stabilize the outer wall substantially from the summit to the base and prevent the outer wall from drawing inwardly during breathing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilize liquid ventilation to increase the efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The method involves replacing gas in the lungs with an oxygen and carbon dioxide carrying liquid to eliminate the decreased pumping efficiency of the heart seen during conventional or active compression-decompression (ACD) closed-chest CPR. A further advantage during ACD-CPR is the ability to perform liquid ventilation without a mechanical respirator. A further advantage is provided by supplying a continuous flow of liquid (or gaseous) ventilation medium throughout the entire chest compression/re-expansion cycle, dramatically accelerating both gas exchange and cooling or warming of the patient or animal subject.

Abstract: An apparatus for passive hypoxic training or therapy provides to a user hypoxic (low-oxygen) gas mixture having carbon dioxide content optimal for breathing stimulation and a comfortable humidity level. The apparatus reduces the oxygen content of the air by passing the ambient air through a pressure-swing adsorption separator which extracts the oxygen therefrom. The air pressurized by compressor is delivered in alternating sequence into cartridges having a molecular-sieve material which adsorbs nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor and allows a dry oxygen-enriched fraction to pass through an to be discharged. Remaining hypoxic (low-oxygen) gas mixture is recovered by depressurization of cartridges and is delivered to a user through a surge tank, filter, breathing bag, and respiratory mask.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a self contained underwater breathing apparatus in which a breathing gas is supplied to a flow loop from two separate gas sources each having a different oxygen fraction, and each controlled by separate mass flow controllers having variable flow rate. The mass controller flow rates are adaptively adjustable to deliver gas at variable flow rates which depend solely on a function of depth. An algorithm determines these specific flow rates from each of the tanks at particular depths, such that the gas flow from an oxygen rich gas source decreases as a function of depth, while the gas flow from a diluent gas source increases as a function of depth, so as to maintain the oxygen partial pressure in the flow loop within a specific pre-deternined range.

Abstract: A metering device, for use in transferring a desired volumetric dose of a flowable substance from a storage chamber containing the flowable substance to a location outside the storage chamber, is disclosed. An outlet conduit is arranged between the storage chamber and the location to which the dose is to be transferred. The metering device is of such size and shape as to be able to pass through the outlet conduit and includes first and second end element which, when the metering device is located inside the outlet conduit, are in a sealing engagement with the inner walls of the outlet conduit. The shape of the metering device between the first and second end elements is such that a space of the desired dose volume is defined between the first and second end elements and the intervening section of the inner walls of the outlet conduit, in which space the flowable substance from the storage chamber may be enclosed. The metering device is of particular use in a dry powder inhaler.

Abstract: A full face respirator mask (10) includes a face shield portion (12) with the seal (20) surrounding a lens portion (14). Inhalation ports (16) and an exhalation port (18) are formed at the lower portion of the lens (14). A center adapter (30) includes a nose cup (40) and an exhalation valve (38) in the center orifice (18). The inhalation ports (16,116) are placed at each side of the exhalation port (18) and include connector portions (50,150) formed with the lens (14) or ultrasonically welded to the lens (14). The connector portions (50) include male connectors (58) in a first embodiment and female connectors (150) in a second embodiment receiving complementary formed connectors of a breathable air source.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser assembly for medical applications includes a container holding a predetermined quantity of a therapeutic liquid in a storage chamber. The container has a wall or panel provided with a port. A dip tube is disposed in the chamber and extends from the port to a lower portion of the storage chamber. The disepnser assembly further includes a hollow compressible dispenser body. An applicator tube is attached at one end to the dispenser body and extends at a free end, i.e., an end opposite the dispenser body, into the dip tube. The applicator tube is removable from the dip tube after an expansion of the dispenser body from a collapsed configuration and a concomitant drawing of an aliquot of the liquid into the dispenser body through the dip tube and the applicator tube.

Abstract: An inhalation device comprising means for breaking down aggregates of finely divided powdered medicament to provide medicament having a large number of particles within the respiratory range (less than 10 .mu.m). The deaggregation means comprise at least two pairs of opposing surfaces in a gas/air flow path. The first pair define an inlet to a constricted region in the air flow path, and the second pair are located at or near the outlet of the constriction. The two pairs of surfaces are oriented at different angles with respect to the axis of the air flow path. In use, medicament particles carried by the gas/air flow impact the first pair of surfaces, then enter the constricted region where the speed of the gas/air flow is increased, and then impact the second pair of surfaces. The impacts break down agglomerations of the finely divided medicament, thereby delivering to the user a greater number of particles in the respiratory range.

Abstract: In a method an apparatus for vaporizing anesthetic liquids, in which a carrier gas is passed through a vaporizer so as to be saturated with vaporized anesthetic liquid, the vaporizer has a container, partially filled with anesthetic liquid, an inlet for a carrier gas, an outlet for carrier gas saturated with anesthetic and a pressure chamber. The carrier gas is supplied to the vaporizer at a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure and is bubbled through the anesthetic liquid in the container in order to become saturated with anesthetic. The flow of gas at the outlet can be regulated as needed. Exact pressure and temperature conditions can be measured and/or regulated with a pressure meter, pressure regulator, thermometer and temperature regulator in order to regulate the partial pressure of anesthetic in the container.

Abstract: The cuff on the patient end of a tracheal tube is attached at one end to the inside of the tube and at the opposite end to the outside of the tube. The cuff encloses an axial sleeve that is slidably mounted within the patient end of the tube and is urged forwardly by a resilient collar. The sleeve can be retracted by applying vacuum to the cuff and, when released, extends forwards to prevent the cuff occluding the patient end of the tube.

Abstract: A device for comminuting a liquid, which produces at least two sprays of droplets formed by electrohydrodynamic comminution, the device being arranged so that in use sprays of opposing polarity are formed which are substantially admixed after formation, so as to provide a comminution having a residual electrical charge.

Abstract: The breathing protection equipment includes a mask having an inflatable harness and a demand regulator with three operating modes which are manually selectable. The operating mode is indicated to the wearer of the mask by a repeater. The repeater has a mode sensor carried by the mask and a mode indicator located in the field of view of the wearer and driven by the mode sensor. The mode sensor may detect the position of the switch actuated by the user for changing the mode. The mode indicator may be a display on a mask storage box or on the mask.

Abstract: Methodology and devices for delivering aerosolized formulation to target areas of a patient's respiratory tract are disclosed. The device is a hand-held, self-contained unit which is readily portable and capable of measuring a variety of parameters including the patient's total respiratory tract capacity, inspiratory flow rate and inspiratory volume. The device is loaded with a container which includes a drug formulation in a liquid form which container includes an opening which is covered, at least in part, by a porous membrane. The pore sizes are designed so as to provide aerosolized particle sizes which are tailored in size for delivery to the specific target area of the respiratory tract. The device can allow the patient to inhale a predetermined volume of unaerosolized air followed by a predetermined volume of aerosol after which flow can be shut off completely or followed by additional aerosol free air.

Abstract: Improved methodology and apparatus for the clinical study and treatment of sleep apnea which incorporates one or more of the following features: (1) application of mono-level, alternating high and low level, or variable positive airway pressure generally within the airway of the patient with the mono-level, high and low level, or variable airway pressure generally being coordinated with and/or responsive to the spontaneous respiration of the patient, (2) usage of adjustably programmable pressure ramp circuitry capable of producing multiple pressure ramp cycles of predetermined duration and pattern whereby the ramp cycles may be customized to accommodate the specific needs of an individual sleep apnea patient so as to ease the patient's transition from wakefulness to sleep, (3) remote control or patient-sensed operation of the apparatus, (4) employment of safety circuitry, reset circuitry and minimum system leak assurance circuitry, controls and methods, and (5) utilization of clinical control circuitry whereb

Abstract: Improved methodology and apparatus for the clinical study and treatment of sleep apnea which incorporates one or more of the following features: (1) application of mono-level, alternating high and low level, or variable positive airway pressure generally within the airway of the patient with the mono-level, high and low level, or variable airway pressure generally being coordinated with and/or responsive to the spontaneous respiration of the patient, (2) usage of adjustably programmable pressure ramp circuitry capable of producing multiple pressure ramp cycles of predetermined duration and pattern whereby the ramp cycles may be customized to accommodate the specific needs of an individual sleep apnea patient so as to ease the patient's transition from wakefulness to sleep, (3) remote control or patient-sensed operation of the apparatus, (4) employment of safety circuitry, reset circuitry and minimum system leak assurance circuitry, controls and methods, and (5) utilization of clinical control circuitry whereb

Abstract: A wrist unit is provided for allowing the diver to view the breathing parameters that are determined. The breathing parameters are determined by a tank processor via sensors that are disposed on the breathing tank of the diver. These are transmitted to the display unit on the wrist of the diver via a wireless communication link. An inertia switch is provided in the wrist unit, the wrist unit having a watertight housing. The inertia switch is responsive to impacts in the form of tapping on the housing or of rotation of the wrist. When the wrist is rotated, the inertia switch will generate impulses that can be counted and, after a predetermined number, generate a control signal. The control signal controls the on/off function of the wrist unit and also allows switching between alternate displays.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inhaler for products such as medicaments, and particularly to an inhaler for transferring to a patient, at a controlled air flow, a metered dose of a medicament contained in a pressurised dispensing container. The inhaler includes a housing adapted to receive a pressurised dispensing container, a mouthpiece, a duct connecting the container outlet with the mouthpiece, and an air inlet arrangement having at least one air inlet for allowing air into the inhaler when a user applies suction to the mouthpiece. The air inlet arrangement also has an air flow controller in which a piston member with a tapering external surface is movable due to a pressure change when suction is applied to the mouthpiece. The resulting piston movement effects a change in the flow of air through the air inlet. The air flow controller also includes a spring for urging the piston member to a rest position to allow maximum air flow to the air inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nasal dilator which comprises a means for dilating the nostrils and a thermal element, which can be worn on the nose of a human for an extended period of time, as well as a method of treatment for relief of nasal congestion/blockage, sinus discomfort and pain, and other cold and/or allergy symptoms associated therewith, by applying said nasal dilator to the nose of a human in need of such treatment.

Abstract: In a method for measuring a dose of a drug inhaled by an animal, the momentary concentration of the drug in an aerosol supplied to the animal and the momentary inhalation flow rate of the animal are determined. An inhaled partial dose is calculated from each determined inhalation flow rate value and a corresponding concentration value. The calculated inhaled partial doses are added to obtain the total dose inhaled by the animal.

Abstract: A device for administering a powdery medicine satisfying the requirements of portability, easy and quick operation, fabrication through simple steps, rigid structure, and economy using decreased number of parts of low cost.