Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings include a system and method for monitoring the ventilation support provided by a ventilator that is supplying a breathing gas to a patient via a breathing circuit that is in fluid communication with the lungs of the patient.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a mask frame having a first cooperating interlocking structure. A cushion clip having a second cooperating interlocking structure is selectively detachable to the mask frame. The first and second cooperating interlocking structures interlock with one another in a cooperating relationship to secure the cushion clip on the mask frame. A mask cushion has a portion positioned between the mask frame and the cushion clip so as to retain the mask cushion on the mask frame.

Abstract: An inhalation opening 6 and an exhalation-opening 4 are formed in the facepiece 2 of a breathing apparatus 1 and the openings can be closed with an inhalation valve 8 and exhalation valve 7, respectively. If a person wearing the breathing apparatus 1 inhales, the inhalation valve 8 is open and the exhalation valve 7 is closed. A photointerrupter 11 senses the closing operation of the exhalation valve 7 and supplies electric power to a motor 9 to drive a blower 16.

Abstract: A face mask comprises a sealing collar (1) extending around the mouth with a shelf (4) extending under the nose supporting a gel insert (7) that makes sealing contact between the nostrils and a passage (6) through the shelf. A curved, rigid window (30) is a push fit in a central opening (2) of the collar (1) and has a gas inlet (33) attached with it so that the window can be removed or connected with the sealing collar as necessary. The collar (1) supported on the head by a harness (20) having two triangular portions (21) on opposite sides encircling respective ears.

Abstract: The disclosed laryngeal mask airway device includes a rigid airway tube, a mask portion, and one or more optical fibers. The airway tube extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The airway tube defines an internal passage and a first notch. The first notch extends along a length of the tube from a location on the tube towards the distal end of the tube. The mask portion is coupled to the distal end of the airway tube. The mask portion includes an inflatable cuff. The cuff defines a central opening at least when inflated. The mask portion is insertable through a mouth of a patient to an inserted location within the patient. The cuff surrounds a glottic opening of the patient when inflated and when the mask portion is at the inserted location. A sealed airway passage extends from the proximal end of the tube through the internal passage to the glottic opening when the cuff is inflated and when the mask portion is at the inserted location.

Abstract: An anti-asphyxia valve is adapted to, in use, be disposed between a patient and structure to deliver a breathable gas to the patient. The valve includes a housing having an interior, at least one port to provide fluid communication between the housing interior and atmosphere and at least one flap including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is adapted for mounting to the housing. The second portion is adapted to flex between a first biased open position allowing gas to pass from the housing interior through the at least one port to atmosphere when a difference in gas pressure in the housing interior and atmosphere is below a predetermined operating threshold and a second forced closed position substantially occluding the at least one port when the difference in gas pressure between the housing interior and atmosphere is substantially equal to or above the operating threshold.

Abstract: An anesthetic reflector has a housing internally containing two externally accessible gas channels and a filter of a material for releasable sorption of gas-borne anesthetic agent. The filter is movable between the gas channels to expose the same portion of the filter to the interior of each channel in turn.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings include a system and method for monitoring the ventilation support provided by a ventilator and automatically supplying a breathing gas to a patient via a breathing circuit that is in fluid communication with the lungs of the patient.

Abstract: An airway adapter suitable for use with patients having low tidal volumes, e.g., neonates, which minimizes deadspace in the airway and promotes smooth flow of gases through the adapter. The adapter includes a first portion adapted to couple to a tubular adapter, such as an endotracheal tube adapter, and a second portion adapted to couple to a ventilation tube. A longitudinally compressible member is coupled to the first portion to minimize deadspace in the adapter. A portion of the compressible member resiliently contacts and seals against a tubular adapter upon assembly of the airway adapter therewith.

Abstract: A vent valve apparatus (10) for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurised above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal. The apparatus (10) includes a gas washout vent (15), a vent valve (18) adapted to progressively restrict the flow area of the washout vent (15), and a pressure sensitive vent valve control means (20,22,23). The control means is adapted to progressively cause the vent valve (18) to restrict the flow area of the gas washout vent (15) in response to increases in the pressure of the gas supply, thereby substantially regulating the volumetric flow of gas and/or CO2 gas through the washout vent (15) over a range of gas supply pressures.

Abstract: A multi-use, hand held, single patient oscillatory positive expiratory pressure respiratory therapy device which is easily assembled and disassembled for cleaning, and which is not position dependent during therapy, but operable through a wide range of device orientation.

Abstract: A tracheostoma valve is described for use within a tracheostoma to facilitate speech by use of a vocal prosthesis, which consists of a valve housing defining a valve cavity having an airflow passage therethrough between at least one rearward and at least one forward aperture, and a valve member. The valve member includes a fixed rear portion connected to a forward portion by a collapsible sleeve such that the forward portion is deployable from a collapsed configuration under vegetative breathing pressure wherein the air flow passage is open to an expanded configuration under speech pressure whereat the forward portion acts to restrict flow through the air flow passage.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube cleaning apparatus 10 which can be periodically inserted into the inside of an endotracheal tube 30 to shave away mucus deposits. In a preferred embodiment, this cleaning apparatus 10 comprises a flexible central tube 12 with an inflatable balloon 40 at its distal end. Affixed to the inflatable balloon are one or more shaving rings 70, each having a squared leading edge 72, to shave away mucus accumulations 60. In operation, the uninflated cleaning apparatus 10 is inserted into the endotracheal tube. The balloon 40 is then inflated by a suitable inflation device, such as a syringe 14, until the balloon's shaving rings are pressed against the inside surface of the endotracheal tube. The cleaning apparatus is then pulled out of the endotracheal tube to shave off mucus deposits.

Abstract: A humidification apparatus for humidifying a gas flow to be supplied to a patient or other person in need of such gas is provided. A first temperature sensor is provided for sensing the temperature of the gas flow substantially at an outlet of a humidification chamber and a second temperature sensor is provided for sensing the temperature of the gas flow substantially at the patient end of the conduit. A display is provided for display of temperature information to a user. A controller or processor is configured or programmed to receive input from the temperature sensors and to output a signal to the display to cause a temperature to be displayed to the user which is the lower of the temperature sensed by temperature sensors.

Abstract: A front-mounted swimming snorkel with separate air intake and exhaust tubes controlled by one-way valves to prevent re-breathing exhaled air, wherein the exhaust tube cross-sectional area is selected to regulate the amount of force needed to open the water purge valve so that a swimmer can open the purge valve by exhaling with more force than normal.

Abstract: A device for providing purified atmospheric air to a user. Air passes passively through a filter and partitions into a mouse-nose compartment and a face compartment. The air from the face compartment flushes a visor and subsequently passes into the mouse-nose compartment. A hood compartment sealed at the neck region and also around the face compartment. Unidirectional valves maintain the directional flow of air, and seal elements provide partitioning into compartments.

Abstract: A novel ventilator, which can be operated from main power, an internal or external battery supply, includes an integral compressor, valves, sensors, and embedded web server. The embedded web server can be connected to external monitoring devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a closure-cap and a container in the form of a two-chamber cartridge in which an active ingredient and a solvent can be stored separately until the apparatus is used in a nebulizer, as well as an active substance concentrate in which the active-substance is present as a solution or suspension for storage purposes.

Abstract: Inhalation of low levels of nitric oxide can rapidly and safely decrease pulmonary hypertension in mammals. Precise delivery of nitric oxide at therapeutic levels of 20 to 100 ppm and inhibition of reaction of nitric oxide with oxygen to form toxic impurities such as nitrogen dioxide can provide effective inhalation therapy for pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract: Liquid aerosol formulations for generating aerosols include at least one high volatility carrier and a second component. In some embodiments, the liquid aerosol formulation is propellant free. An aerosol generating device generates an aerosol by passing liquid aerosol formulation through a flow passage heated to convert the liquid into a vapor, which is mixed with air to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, particles of the aerosol consist essentially of the second component. The aerosol generator can be incorporated in a hand held inhaler. The aerosol can be delivered to a targeted portion of the lung using the inhaler.