Abstract: An applicator for delivering a bioactive composition includes a jet dispenser having an orifice for ejection of droplets from the dispenser. The jet dispenser further includes a main body. At least partially insertable through the main body is a replaceable fluid reservoir for holding and delivering the bioactive composition to the orifice for ejection therethrough. A body orifice spacer is positioned between the orifice of the dispenser and a target during ejection of the bioactive composition to the target.

Abstract: A disperser for dry powders which can be used with different dose systems, dose weights ranging from 2 to 25 mg and different types of powder formulation. In one embodiment, the disperser acts both as a de-agglomeration (disintegration; aerosolization) means and as an air classifier for especially adhesive mixtures. Only fine drug particles are emitted whereas the larger agglomerates and carrier crystals are retained by the disperser. Another embodiment enables time controlled release of carrier crystals in these mixtures. Yet another embodiment has optimized performance with spherical pellets, containing no carrier crystals. Other possible embodiments of the invention make it possible to control the total inhaler resistance and the powder deposition in the upper respiratory tract by means of the addition of a so-called sheath flow of clean air. Modifications also enable carrier retainment in the mouthpiece and elimination of the tangential flow component of the discharge cloud.

Abstract: A method for aerosolizing a powder utilizes a receptacle having a cavity containing a powder. An access end of an extraction tube is inserted into the cavity, and an inlet opening is formed in the receptacle. A pressurized gas is flowed through the inlet opening, through the cavity and through the extraction tube to move the powder in the cavity into the extraction tube where the powder is entrained in the gas to form an aerosol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge apparatus for media. In the case of such discharge apparatuses the medium to be discharged is stored in a container, which has chambers separated from one another. Into each of the chambers is introduced at least one media component and the media components together form the medium to be discharged. The container is placed in a casing having a discharge opening for discharging the medium. An actuating means movable relative to the casing is provided. Through the actuation of the actuating means firstly a connection between the chambers of the container is produced.

Abstract: A respiration assistor (10) for use in an anaesthesia breathing system. The respiration assistor is intended to provide respiratory assistance for a patient (14) who is breathing spontaneously under anaesthesia in order that the patient's end-expired CO2 will be maintained at or near the normal physiological level. For this purpose, the respiration assistor incorporates a blower (15) which is located in series with a gas flow detector (20 or 39) and an electric control circuit (19) is provided for activating the blower (15) when inspired gas flow is detected by the detector (20 or 39). Also, the respiration assistor incorporates an expiratory valve (23) that is actuated to a closed condition when the blower is activated.

Abstract: A novel metering valve having improved flow for delivery of an aerosol formulation is disclosed. Methods of delivering an aerosol formulation using a device comprising the novel metering valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disposal unit comprises a means for applying a dissolvent to medical sharps, thereby converting the hazardous and possibly contaminated sharps into metallic ions existing in solution within the dissolvent. The dissolvent is absorbed in a perforatable pad and the sharp is plunged into the pad whereby the sharp makes contact with the dissolvent which effects its disposal. After the sharp has been dissolved, the syringe or handle for the sharp falls into an antiseptic solution and is disinfected. After disinfectation, a net facilitates removal of the residual plastic parts for recycling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable oxygen concentrator system adapted to be transported by a user. The portable oxygen concentrator system includes an energy source, an air separation device powered by the energy source and adapted to convert ambient air into concentrated oxygen gas for the user, at least one sensor adapted to sense one or more conditions indicative of the oxygen gas needs of the user, and a control unit interrelated with the air separation device and the at least one sensor to control the air separation device so as to supply an amount of oxygen gas equivalent to the oxygen gas needs of the user based at least in part upon the one or more conditions sensed by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: An inhaler that uses capillary effects to output droplets of pharmaceutical product is described. The inhaler includes transducers and lenses to generate focused acoustic waves. The frequency and pulse width output of the transducers are set to cause capillary action in a reservoir of pharmaceutical product. The capillary action results in the ejection of small droplets of pharmaceutical product at low frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water preventing equipment fo a snorkel, that attaches to the end of a snorkel, which includes an embodiment and a cover. The embodiment contains a first room and a second room, which is divided by a baffle. The first room connects to the conduit. The cover is located above the end opening and it is an active structure that can flip up and down. The cover covers the end opening and is located above the first room. By using this active cover, this equipment can easily prevent large amounts of water from splashing into the conduit, and can still remain the smoothness of the airway for exhaling water and exhausting air.

Abstract: A regulator assembly is provided for use in a respirator system to supply a regulated flow of air to a respirator head piece. The respirator assembly comprises a housing (15) having an air inlet port (17) for connection to a source of air at comparatively high pressure, and an air outlet port (23) for connection to the respirator head piece. The housing (15) contains an air pressure-reduction stage (19) in communication with the inlet port (17), and a noise-reduction stage (21) between the pressure-reduction stage and the outlet port (23). The noise reduction stage (21) comprises two, spaced, muffler discs (41, 43) the first of which is positioned adjacent the air outlet (39) of the pressure-reduction stage (19). A deflector plate (47) deflects the airflow from the pressure-reduction stage (19) through the first muffler disc (41), and thereby diffuses the air flow before it reaches the second muffler disc (43).

Abstract: The invention concerns a protective breathing equipment comprising a respirator provided with a regulator designed to be connected to a source of breathing mixture under pressure and a harness having at least an extensible strap whereof the ends are connected to the respirator and comprising an element temporarily inflatable with the pressurised breathing mixture to extend the strap until it reaches a sufficient dimension to enable the user to engage the harness on his head and capable of being emptied to enable the strap, to press the respirator against his face. A flexible envelope covering the head is tightly fixed to the single strap or to the upper strap of the harness and fixed to the respirator; it is transparent at least in the portion opposite the eyes when the equipment is worn.

Abstract: An oxygen connector system for coupling an oxygen source to an oxygen tube comprises a source of oxygen. The source has an output orifice through which source oxygen is adapted to pass. The orifice has an inner bore and an outer surface. A flexible cylindrical elastomeric tube has a first input end and a second output end. The first input end is adapted to make a flush abutment with the source at the orifice. A generally cylindrical rigid connector has an exterior surface with a first region and a second region. An intermediate tapered region is provided between the first and second regions. The connector has a central generally cylindrical bore extending through the first and second ends forming an interior surface. The second end has a diameter slightly greater than that of the tube. A pair of stoppers are provided adjacent to the input end of the tube.

Abstract: Intralumenal material removal systems are provided using an advanceable, rotatable and expandable cutter assembly. The intralumenal material removal system includes a cutter assembly positionable in the lumen of a mammalian subject and operably connected to system controls. The cutter assembly comprises a distal cutting head and an adjustable cutting assembly that is axially advanceable by translating the drive shaft and rotatable by rotating the drive shaft. The adjustable cutting assembly is adjustable between a smaller diameter condition and a larger diameter condition. The cutter may thus be introduced to and withdrawn from the material removal site in a retracted, smaller diameter condition that facilitates translation and navigation of the device through various lumens. The adjustable cutting assembly may be selectively expanded at the material removal site to facilitate cutting, removal and aspiration of the occlusive material.

Abstract: A nasal intubation device is used to penetrate a nasal region and provide irrigation and/or medication to the nasal region. This intubation device can also be used in other applications. The intubation device comprises a flexible tube and a distal tip at the distal end of the flexible tube. The distal tip includes flanges forming a generally arrow shape that is capable of penetrating the nasal region and allowing the intubation device to remain within the nasal region. The flexible tube includes a passageway communicating with a perforated region proximate the distal end to provide the irrigation and/or medication. An implantation device, such as a canula-trocart, can be used to implant the intubation device.

Abstract: A breathing support system comprises a housing, a plate with a central aperture forming an annular bearing surface and with peripheral air passageways and a cap with a base and a wall slidably extending into the distal region. Air ports have a tubular guide extending proximally from the base. A valve assembly includes a disc formed with a periphery selectively positionable in contact with the bearing surface and passageways and also includes a thin rod with a distal end adjustably received within the guide. A resilient member is positioned between the base and plate urging the base and cap distally and the disc into contact with the bearing surface and passageways. An exhaust valve adapted to allow the exhaling of air is located on an upper radial extent of an intermediate region of the housing. A primary port is adapted to receive and support a bottle of primary medication.

Abstract: A quick release mechanism and headpiece for use with a respirator. The quick release mechanism uses a cam latch pivotably attached to a yoke to control the tension in an upper tension strap. In the latched position the upper tension strap traverses the yoke and, together with a pair of lower tension straps and neck catch, support and seal the respirator mask against the face of the wearer. In the unlatched position the upper tension straps loosely support the mask below the chin of the wearer in a parked position. The upper strap is attached to a circular shaped headpiece having a crown piece fitting to the top of the head of the wearer. The lower straps are attached to a rounded neck catch secured behind the neck of the wearer. The upper and lower straps preferably and advantageously comprise a material or materials having a low maximum elongation to ensure a snug and comfortable mask fit.

Abstract: A system and method for storage and delivery of a cryogenic mixed gas is disclosed, the storage apparatus including a compact and lightweight dewar for containing cryogenic temperature mixed gas at supercritical pressure. Different heat exchangers associated with the dewar provide for heat input to the dewar to maintain gas therein in a single phase and provide continued expulsion energy. A backpack receives the dewar and includes means for quick connect of the dewar with an end use outlet, intermediate heat exchangers in the backpack conditioning the mixed gas for end use. No electrical input for fluid circulation is required.

Abstract: A quick release mechanism and headpiece for use with a respirator. The quick release mechanism uses a cam latch pivotally attached to a yoke to control the tension in an upper tension strap. In the latched position the upper tension strap traverses the yoke to support and seal the respirator mask against the face of the wearer. In the unlatched position the upper tension straps loosely support the mask below the chin of the wearer in a parked position. In one embodiment, a guide is provided on the yoke to ensure that the mask may be consistently donned and doffed with minimal effort (e.g., potential one-handed donning and doffing). An opening may also be provided in the face mask and optionally in the yoke, and a filter may be disposed within the opening to provide the desired filtration of inhaled gases.

Abstract: A nasal medication administering device for providing a quick and easy way of safely administering medication to a user. The nasal medication administering device includes at least one flexible and squeezable medication-containing container; and also includes at least one flexible tubular member having an open first end and an open second end and a bore extending therethrough with the first end being extended through a wall of and into the medication-containing container and with the second end being adapted to be extended into a nasal passage of a user; and further includes at least one cap member being removably attached about the second end of the at least one flexible tubular member for closing the opening through the second end.