Abstract: A connector includes a mask end for connecting with the interior of a respiratory mask, a supply conduit end, and a gas washout vent passage having an inlet adjacent to, or forming part of, the mask end in fluid communication with the interior of the respiratory mask and an outlet in fluid communication with atmosphere. The vent outlet of the vent passage is disposed on the side of the connector remote from the mask end. A respiratory mask includes a mask shell, a mask inlet for connecting with the outlet of a breathable gas supply conduit, and a gas washout vent passage. A vent outlet is disposed on the side of the mask remote from the mask interior and is adapted to direct the washout gas in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mask inlet and away from the mask inlet.

Abstract: The combination noise suppression and breathing respirator of the present invention includes a face mask of the snorkel or diving type, the facemask sealing against the face of the user around the nose, cheeks, eyes and forehead of the wearer. The facemask has a nosepiece having an exhalation flap check valve for exhalation by the user. Each side of the face mask has a one-way inlet valve at a connection which connects with rearward extending dual use air channel and straps. A noise suppression and air filter module is worn over each ear of the user and is attached to respective dual use air channel and straps. Head bands extend around the back of the wearer's head between air filter modules an adjustably connected by buckles thereto.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for supplying a respiratory gas and a method of controlling the apparatus. In accordance with the invention there is provided an apparatus for supplying a respiratory gas comprising a conveyor device for conveying the respiratory gas, a conduit means for feeding the respiratory gas conveyed by the conveyor device to a person, and a humidification device for humidifying the respiratory gas, which is distinguished by a sensor device for generating a signal indicative in respect of the respiratory gas humidity and a control device for controlling the humidification device having regard to the signal which is generated by the sensor device and which is indicative in respect of the respiratory gas humidity.

Abstract: A tissue treatment device suitable for use on an extremity or a portion of an extremity, such as a hand or foot, includes a cover formed as a bag, sac, or pouch, and a flexible, absorbent support member. Defined sections of the support member may be removed from the support member to form an opening therein. The support member is for being positioned within the cover to support a portion of the cover off of, and out of contact with, tissue to be treated. The cover has an open end with attachment means disposed thereon for attachment to the extremity or extremity portion that is received in the cover. The support member may be impregnated with a medicament. The removable sections allow formation of an opening that may be customized or adapted to the area of tissue that is to receive treatment. This permits the tissue treatment device to be adapted for use with treatment areas that vary in size, shape, contour, and composition.

Abstract: A patient interface device of the invention includes a shell having a wall with a port extending therethrough, a conduit coupling in fluid communication with the port, and a mounting member rotatably. The mounting member is coupled to the conduit coupling, or both such that the mounting member is rotatable over a 360 degree range while the patient interface device is donned on a user and without locking in a fixed position relative to the shell or conduit while the patient interface device is donned on a user.

Abstract: A treatment for the persons infected with viruses such as HIV. The method takes advantage of the anesthetic membrane effect brought about by certain gases under pressure. A patient infected with HIV, for example, is placed in a pressurized chamber and exposed to one or more gases under pressure in this environment, molecules or compounds bind to specific attachment sites on surfaces of host cells and on the virus. These attachment sites are the same sites that are required by the virus to attach to host cells during the virus's replication process. The result is that viruses are prevented from replicating. In the case of HIV, without replication, the virus is also prevented from mutating. This deleterious effect on the virus allows the body's immune system to reconstitute itself in numbers sufficient to cause clinical remission.

Abstract: The invention includes a partial gas separator, which may include a housing and a movable divider in the housing. A method according to the invention may provide a partial gas separator and gas may be moved to or from the housing. While moving gas to or from the housing, the movable divider may be allowed to move with the flow of gas.

Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a flow passage having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a constriction in the flow passage at the outlet end. A heater is operable to heat liquid in the flow passage to produce a vapor, which is expelled from the outlet end of the flow passage.

Abstract: A medical ventilator includes a pressure generator for increasing a pressure of gas that produces heat during the operation thereof. A heat sink spaced from the pressure generator is provided for absorbing heat from the pressure generator. A bacteria filter requiring heating in excess of an ambient temperature for the effective operation thereof is coupled in thermal communication with the heat sink. A heat pipe is coupled in thermal communication with the heat sink and the pressure generator for conveying at least part of heat produced by the pressure generator to the bacteria filter via the heat sink.

Abstract: A microphone adaptor for a respirator is provided which has a sound tube that extends between a speech projector of the respirator and a microphone enabling clear speech to be received by the microphone. The adaptor may include a microphone box for receiving the microphone, preferably a headset boom microphone of a standard issue headset.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly includes a rigid mask frame with a rim portion including a rearwardly projecting tongue and lateral flange and a cushion having a rim with a corresponding groove and a rearwardly facing shoulder. A clip in the form of a collar passes over the cushion, engaging behind the shoulder, and has one or more securing tabs that engage recesses in the flange.

Abstract: An anesthetic gas scavenging system is provided. The system includes a housing having one or more apertures placed proximate to a patient's mouth and a vacuum source interconnected with the housing for excavating anesthesia exhaled by the patient. The housing can take the form of a circular tube and can be positioned to rest about a patient's neck. The housing can have closed ends attachable together about a patient's neck. Alternatively, the housing can take on other desired shapes, and can be suspended on a strap about a patient's neck to rest on the patient's chest.

Abstract: An inhaler that includes a fluid medicament supply, an ejector, an accumulator in fluid communication with the ejector, a valve that is in fluid communication with the fluid medicament supply and the accumulator, a sensor configured to sense an accumulator characteristic, and a controller configured to operate the valve in response to the accumulator characteristic.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device and a method of delivering substance to a nasal airway of a subject can be used for mass treatment, especially mass vaccination. The delivery device includes an interface unit, as a replaceable unit, having at least one nosepiece unit for fitting to a respective nostril of a subject, a nozzle from which substance is in use delivered, and at least one delivery unit having a substance supply unit for delivering substance to the nozzle of the at least one nosepiece unit. The delivery device also includes an actuation unit for actuating the at least one delivery unit of the interface unit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns movement facilitation devices for facilitating movement between a first portion of a first object and a second portion of the first object. One or more of the movement facilitation devices may be combined to form a movement device for facilitating movement of at least one joint or limb of a patient's body. One form of a movement device according to the invention is a glove which at least partially encloses the joint or limb. The invention also encompasses systems for applying Continuous Passive Motion therapy to a joint or limb of a patient using the devices of the invention. The invention also encompasses the use of shape memory materials and of conducting polymers in the devices and systems of the invention, as well as the design of force transducers and actuators that may be used in the devices.

Abstract: A vaporizer apparatus for vaporizing medical herbs and essences is described that uses an electrical power driven medium to vaporize the herbs and essences. The vaporizer apparatus has a heating element assembly disposed within a shield. The shield is disposed within an opening of an enclosure. The shield protrudes from the opening at an angle and has a mating section for mating with a hand piece. The hand piece includes a vaporization chamber where herbs are packed, an inlet for connecting with the mating section of the shield, and an outlet for inhalation by a user. Methods for using the vaporizer apparatus is also discussed.

Abstract: A soft material replaceably coupled to a ventilation interface, wherein the soft material is positioned between the interface and a user's face to alleviate discomfort. The soft material may be configured to be replaceably couple to various ventilation interfaces which may include CPAP interfaces.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser that includes a medicament supply, an ejector, and a controller configured to actuate the ejector, where the controller is configured to use an operational parameter to produce a plurality of medicament drops having a target drop characteristic, and the operational parameter includes a correction factor that is based on a performance characteristic of the ejector.

Abstract: A spinal treatment apparatus for applying a force to a patient includes a base portion, a telescoping support, a spinal distraction device and an actuator. The telescoping support is mounted on the base portion and includes a bottom member and a top member. The top member is engaged with the bottom member so that the top member has a retracted position and an extended position. The telescoping support is capable of withstanding a force, corresponding to the spinal treatment force, imparted on the top member, while in both the retracted position and the extended position. The spinal distraction device is mounted on the top member and applies the spinal treatment force to the patient. The actuator moves the top member vertically relative to the bottom member.

Abstract: An inhalator composed of a main body affording an inhalation conduit; a second body exhibiting a housing, into which a capsule can be at least partially inserted; the second body being rotatably coupled with the main body, and being able to rotate from an open position, in which the housing is accessible from outside for insertion of a capsule, and a closed position, in which the housing is in communication with the inhalation conduit; means for cutting off a portion of a capsule which projects from the housing during rotation of the second body from the open position to the closed position.