Abstract: A pressure regulator suitable for use as a breathing demand valve in self-contained breathing equipment comprising a first chamber incorporating an inlet port having an inlet valve therein, preferably in the form of a poppet valve and biased so as to seal of the inlet port, and separated from a second chamber by a diaphragm. The diaphragm co-operates with the end of a stem extending from the poppet valve member of the inlet valve such that, upon inhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected towards the inlet valve and exerts a force on the poppet valve stem sufficient to open the poppet valve and, upon exhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected away form the inlet valve so that the diaphragm no longer contacts the end of the poppet valve stem and the inlet valve closes.

Abstract: The nasal filter is a breathing aid that would filter pollutants and contaminants from the air, thus improving the quality of the air inhaled by individuals who suffer respiratory ailments and allergies to air borne pollutants. Designed to fit just inside the nostrils, the nasal filter would consist of a spring clip having flanged two-pronged ends with an oval shaped filtering member on each end. The filtering elements would be made of a medium grade cotton rolled into an appropriate configuration to fit the nostril, and could possibly be impregnated with oxymetazoline to aid in the treatment of nasal congestion. The flanged ends would secure the device in place during exhalation, and could also be useful in replacing the disposable filtering elements. The spring clip could be offered in clear or flesh-toned plastic and could also be offered in a variety of sizes to fit different user's noses.

Abstract: A process and system are provided for controlling a respirator with a breathing circuit (2), an inspiration branch (10) and an expiration branch (12), in which the gas components needed for the respiration are fed in by a fresh gas metering device (20) via a fresh gas line (9), as a result of which at least the amount of breathing gas consumed can be replenished. A breathing gas delivery unit (1) is provided in the inspiration branch (10) and with a volume flow sensor (13) in the expiration branch (12). The fresh gas utilization of the respirator is improved and the process and system reduces the resistances in the breathing circuit (2) for the patient (3) by the breathing gas delivery unit (1) being returned during the phase of expiration at a speed that depends on the volume flow that is measured by the volume flow sensor (13).

Abstract: An oxygen mask filter system for preventing the transmission of a disease from a patient to medical personnel. The oxygen mask filter system includes a face mask having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a plurality of vent apertures, a disk member movably attached to the exterior surface of the face mask about the vent apertures, and a filter member attached to the interior surface of the face mask for filtering gases prior to expulsion from the interior of the face mask to the exterior through the vent apertures.

Abstract: A scuba diving bubble diverter adapted for use by a diver wearing a diving mask and air regulator and employing a skirt system for diverting bubbles emanating from the breathing regulator away from the diver's head.

Abstract: A feeding valve having a hose coupling in the form of an expansion bellows which unfolds automatically into the wearer's field of vision when the sealing cap of the feeding valve is opened, thereby enables a wearer to easily insert the straw of a food or beverage bottle even when wearing protective gloves.

Abstract: A choanal atresia stent has two curved hollow tubes 1 bridged by a flexible transverse tube 2. It is placed into position by two fine guides 8 that are passed through the nose and brought out the mouth. The clip 7 at the guide end is clipped onto the clip 6 at the tapered end 5 of the stent. The stent is then passed from the mouth through the back of the nose to the front of the nose. Further movement is arrested by the transverse tube 2 at the nasal septum. The stent is secured in place by sliding two short connected tubes 9, 10 onto the two long hollow tubes 1. Fixation is achieved through an adjustable catch mechanism 4. Excess tubing is trimmed off. The stents are removed without general anaesthesia by cutting the thread in one long tube 1 below the level where the thread 3 is fixed.