Abstract: A stand-alone chamber or multi-chamber inhalation system has at least two alternative vaporized test liquid supply systems for passive or self-administered delivery of vaporized test fluid and air to one or more test chambers, which can be passive or restraint chambers, based on operator selection of delivery on and off times in a passive mode or actuation of an actuator in the chamber by a test animal in a self-administered mode. In one case, a multiple inhalation chamber system has two or more separate test fluid delivery systems and provides options for selective passive uniform drug delivery to multiple chambers or selective delivery of two or more different drugs to different groups of chambers from different delivery systems so that two different drugs or different concentrations of delivered drugs can be tested simultaneously.

Abstract: Devices and methods for allowing for improved assisted ventilation of a patient. The methods and devices provide a number of benefits over conventional approaches for assisted ventilation. For example, the methods and devices described herein permit blind insertion of a device that can allow ventilation regardless of whether the device is positioned within a trachea or an esophagus. In addition, the methods and device allow for timed delivery of ventilations based on a condition of a thoracic cavity to increase the amount and efficiency of blood flow during a resuscitation procedure.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for stimulating venous and arterial circulation in a patient to prevent deep vein thrombosis, which includes a first inflatable garment sleeve configured to be wrapped around the left calf of the patient and having a first air input tube extending from an exterior surface thereof, a second inflatable garment sleeve configured to be wrapped around the right calf of the patient and having a second air input tube extending from an exterior surface of the second garment sleeve, a portable pump for cyclically inflating the first and second garment sleeves, and a bifurcated tube assembly for connecting the portable pump to the first and second air input tubes of the first and second garment sleeves.

Abstract: A device for controlling respiration during sleep based on the user physiological characteristic. The device includes an odor disperser for dispersing an odor; at least one detector for detecting a physiological characteristic of a user; and a controller for controlling respiration of the user by instructing the odor dispenser to disperse an odor responsive to detections by the at least one detector.

Abstract: A device and method for creating and/or maintain an obstruction free upper airway passage. The device configured to fit under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device including structural elements designed to optimize comfort, compliance and seal achieved through minimizing the pressure variation along the contact surface of the cushion element. The structural elements of the cushion may include a fluidly sealed chamber that may vary in thickness and width, a compressible elastic foam contained within the fluidly sealed chamber a ribbon layer backing the elastic foam contained within the fluidly sealed chamber and an adhesive layer disposed on the outer surface of the fluidly sealed chamber of the therapy device designed to contact the skin of the subject.

Abstract: A bayonet connector (112, 128) suitable for connecting a filter cartridge (72) or an air supply tube to a respirator (10, 14). The bayonet connector (112) has a tubular male part (112) and a female part. The male part has a tube (114) with two or more lugs (130, 132) formed on it, which engage with engaging ribs (136, 138) located on an interior sidewall of the female part (128), or vice versa. The lugs (130, 132) and their corresponding engaging ribs (136, 138) are located at different axial positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory mask of modular construction. The main components are reduced to four parts and are provided by the mask body, the forehead support, the mask bead and the attachment piece. The design, according to the invention, of the outflow structure between mask body and forehead support makes apertures in the mask body unnecessary for this purpose. The strap coupling in the region of the mask body is made easier by a funnel-shaped guide structure such that it is possible in a simple manner even without seeing it.

Abstract: A CPR chest compression system includes a retention structure that retains the body of a patient, and a motor and a compressor that can perform CPR compressions to the chest of the patient. The motor is powered by a battery that is located on the retention structure but away from the motor, and is electrically connected to the motor via one or more wires. Accordingly the weight and volume of the battery can be located away from a top portion of the retention structure. This renders the CPR system is less heavy at the top, and therefore less likely to tilt and start compressing the chest at a different point. Moreover, this permits X-Rays of a larger footprint to go through the CPR system and reach the patient, in embodiments where the components are transparent to X-Rays.

Abstract: A respiratory interface, such as a mouthpiece, having a vestibular shield overlapping a user's teeth and gums, a gases passageway extending through the vestibular shield allowing for the passage of the gases through mouthpiece and an extra oral seal associated with the gases passageway, wherein the passageway in use causes gases to be diffused when exiting from the gases passageway. Mouthpiece may have an adjustment mechanism to alter distance between the vestibular shield and the extra-oral seal. The interface may include an elbow having a vent.

Abstract: A medical device including a sleeve, one or more inflatable cells, a pump, a conduit and a control unit for controlling the flow of fluid from the pump through the conduit.

Abstract: A moisture removal and condensation and humidity management apparatus for a breathing circuit includes a breathing circuit tubing defining a breathing gas conduit. The breathing gas has a first humidity level and a level of moisture therein. A dry gas conduit is adjacent at least a portion of the breathing gas conduit. The dry gas flow is configured to have a second humidity level lower than the first humidity level. A moisture transmission pathway is provided between the breathing gas conduit and the dry gas conduit, such that humidity in the flow of breathing gas is lowered and moisture is transferred to the dry gas flow. The moisture transmission pathway may be provided by a permeable portion which is permeable to water vapor but impermeable to liquid water, or by one or more perforations which permit drainage of liquid water from the breathing gas conduit to the dry gas conduit.

Abstract: A posture improvement device having a material layer with a substantially central bore. A first rod is retained in the substantially central bore of the material layer. The first rod has a substantially central bore configured to receive a second rod. The first rod is configured to be oriented perpendicular to a user's spine during use to improve posture. The second rod is made of a substantially rigid material. The second rod is retained in the substantially central bore of the first rod. The first rod and the second rod are oriented in a nested configuration configured to increase rigidity. A removable barrier element is configured to retain the material layer and is configured to close and open with a fastener.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pressure generator and a massager. The pressure generator includes a shell defining a first opening and a receiving space, a movable member extending into the receiving space and a drive device driving the movable member to reciprocally move within the receiving space. A gap is defined between the movable member and the inner wall of the shell.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to ventilation devices, systems, and methods for applying positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) to the lungs of a patient. For example, applying above atmospheric pressure to the lungs of the patient may mitigate alveolar collapse in the lungs and/or may have other health benefits for the patient.

Abstract: An oxygen mask container assembly that includes a container that defines a container interior and includes a container opening, an oxygen mask assembly disposed in the container interior, a mask ejector in operative communication with the mask assembly, a cover assembly that is movable between a closed position where the cover assembly covers the container opening and an open position where the mask can be ejected through the container opening and from the container interior, and a latch assembly. The oxygen mask assembly includes a mask and a lanyard. The cover assembly includes a light assembly therein that is configured to shine light below the cover assembly. The latch assembly is configured to move the cover assembly between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: A method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) includes elevating the heart of an individual to a first height relative to a lower body of the individual. The lower body may be in a substantially horizontal plane. The method may also include elevating the head of the individual to a second height relative to the lower body of the individual. The second height may be greater than the first height. The method may further include performing one or more of a type of CPR or a type of intrathoracic pressure regulation while elevating the heart and the head. The first height and the second height may be determined based on one or both of the type of CPR or the type of intrathoracic pressure regulation.

Abstract: A robotic joint includes a first link, a middle link, a torque generator, a second link, and a locking mechanism. Different ends of the middle link are rotatably coupled to the first link and the second link. The torque generator is coupled to the first link and the middle link and is configured to produce a torque between these links. The locking mechanism is switchable between a locking state and an unlocking state. In the unlocking state, the locking mechanism allows free rotation of the second link relative to the middle link in the first and second rotation directions. In the locking state, the locking mechanism is configured to impede rotation of the second link relative to the middle link in the first rotation direction and to allow rotation of the second link relative to the middle link in the second rotation direction opposite of the first rotation direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting particles through a patient's trachea into the respiratory system include a delivery tube having at least a ventilation lumen and a particle delivery lumen. The delivery tube has a centering device near its distal tip, such as a balloon eccentrically mounted on the tube to position an outlet of the particle delivery lumen near a centerline of the trachea above the carina branching into the right and left bronchus. A proximal end of the delivery tube connects to a source of particles, and a controller may be provided to adjust a rate and/or an amount of the particles delivered to the patient. In a specific example, frozen particles are delivered to control core body temperature. In other instances, the particle may be a medicament or other substance for effecting other therapies or diagnostic procedures.

Abstract: A heated conduit is configured to be connected to and receive pressurized breathable gas from a respiratory unit. The heated conduit includes a first cuff configured to be attached to the respiratory unit, the first cuff comprising a tubular air inlet portion that is configured to receive the pressurized breathable gas and an electrical connector portion that is adjacent to the tubular air inlet portion and comprises three electrical terminals. The three electrical terminals are configured to engage an electrical connector of the respiratory unit. A grouping of wires are supported within a helical rib of a flexible tube portion. The grouping of wires includes a pair of heating wires configured to generate heat and a signal wire configured to carry the signal that is output by a sensing device. Each of the heating wires and the signal wire is connected to a corresponding one of the three electrical terminals of the electrical connector portion of the first cuff.

Abstract: A control system and method for an exoskeleton is provided. The control system utilizes the admittance control paradigm to provide a system and method for manipulating the exoskeleton using minimal force from the user. A force/torque sensor and servo motors are fitted onto a passive arm support, enabling motorized support for a user with upper extremity weaknesses. The exoskeleton may be used on any extremity. The admittance control paradigm includes an impedance control and an admittance control to allow a user with upper extremity weakness and limited independence to intuitively and with minimal force control the precise trajectory of their arms to achieve a greater degree of independence in activities of daily living. Unlike existing passive arm supports that utilize springs or rubber bands to balance the user's arm against gravity, this system provides more precise gravity compensation and minimizes the amount of force required to control the exoskeleton.