Abstract: The present invention discloses an inhalation device for dispensing a medicament. The device includes a housing defining a lumen, and level indicator and dose indicator devices both of which are operably associated with the housing. The level indicator device linearly indicates a remaining amount of medicament, while the dose indicator device indicates a number of doses dispensed for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A disposable neonatal patient ventilator circuit for an automatic ventilator. All components that are exposed to contamination from the patient are packaged together in a disposable unit external to the automatic ventilator. The automatic ventilator has a receptacle with a pressurized breathable gas supply port, a breathing control circuit port, and preferably a patient monitoring port. The disposable neonatal resuscitator unit matches the ports on the automatic ventilator with a removable plug having a pressurized breathable gas supply connector mating the gas supply port of the receptacle; a breathing control circuit connector mating the control circuit port of the receptacle and a monitoring connector mating the monitoring port of the receptacle. A patient interface such as a tracheal insertion tube or mouth insertion manifold has an inlet and an outlet each in flow communication with the neonatal patient's airway.

Abstract: A device for respiratory assistance which comprises a tube (4) having at least one auxiliary channel (8) connected to a source of respirable gas (25). The conduit (28) connects the source of respirable gas (25) to the auxiliary channel (8). The device further includes: toward the source (25), a device for loss of head (30) which is able to impose on the jet of respirable gas a predetermined flow rate value and a predetermined pressure value; and toward said auxiliary channel (8), a calibrated exhaust valve (32) which is able to bring the conduit (28) into communication with the atmosphere when the pressure in the conduit (28) exceeds said predetermined pressure value.

Abstract: A device for removing sputum from a tracheal catheter inserted into the trachea of a patient. The aim of the invention is to supplement existing tracheal catheters in such a way that sputum is automatically kept away from the air filter and is removed without any problems so that excruciating and painful choking attacks in patients can be prevented and the risk of death by asphyxia is eliminated. This is achieved by a housing (4) having a first orifice (1) that can be attached to the end of the tracheal catheter projecting from the trachea; a second orifice (2) for exhaled air-filtered fresh air exchange and a third orifice (3) for sputum outflow.

Abstract: Process for inhalation and inhaler for production of aroma- and active-substance containing vapors of plant material and/or fluids via hot air. The previous apparatuses conceived for this—in comparison to smoking—hazardous-substance-free vaporizing of active substances of plant material were too inconvenient in their operation, so that they were not successful. The new inhaler makes it possible to flow the hot air through the portion of plant material to be vaporized or the fluid with one pass, and yet to make it possible that inhalation can occur independently and comfortably in multiple inhalations. Herein the produced vapors are collected in a balloon and thereafter inhaled using a valve mechanism with associated mouthpiece independently of the vapor generator. The inhaler makes it possible, to inhale the active substances of the therefore suitable plant material (such as, for example, tobacco), without exposing the user to the hazardous substances which would occur during combustion.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings is a double lumen breathing tube for ventilating at least one lung of a subject. The distal ends of the tubes are predisposed to be spaced-apart and when in position in the airway of a human subject, each tube fits into a mainstem bronchus. A structure for temporarily positioning the distal ends of the tubes into a contacting or closely adjacent position is provided to facilitate introducing the breathing tube into the airway and for removing the breathing tube from the airway. Moreover, a method of ventilating at least one lung of a human subject is provided. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

Abstract: A respiratory mask is provided according to the invention. The respiratory mask includes a respiratory interface adapted to input and output a gas to a respiratory system of a person, a hat having a substantially semi-hemispheric portion adapted to fit over a head of the person and a brim extending outwardly from at least a front portion of the semi-hemispheric portion, and a hose having a proximal end connected to the respiratory interface and passing through the brim and attached to the semi-hemispheric portion, wherein the brim positions and retains the hose, with a distal end of the hose capable of being connected to a gas supply.

Abstract: CPAP treatment apparatus is disclosed having a controllable flow generator (34, 38, 40) operable to produce breathable gas at a treatment pressure elevated above atmosphere to a patient by a delivery tube (32) coupled to a mask (30) having connection with a patient's airway. A sensor (44, 50, 56, 58) generates a signal representative of patient respiratory flow, that is provided to a controller (54, 62, 64). The controller (54, 62, 64) is operable to determine the occurrence of an apnea from a reduction in respiratory airflow below a threshold, and if an apnea has occurred, to determine the duration of the apnea and to cause the flow generator (34, 38) to increase the treatment pressure. In one preferred form the increase in pressure is zero if the treatment pressure before the apnea exceeds a pressure threshold.

Abstract: A patient gas delivery apparatus includes a gas flow generator, a gas delivery conduit and a patient mask. Connected in series between the conduit and the mask is an assembly formed in at least two interengaging parts that may form a housing for an anti-asphyxia valve or flow sensor. The assembly further includes a mating portion for connection to the mask, the arrangement being such that connection of the assembly to the mask prevents disengagement of the interengaging connection between the two parts of the assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to single dose dry powder inhalers in which medicament is stored in a capsule and is released by piercing the capsule wall with polymer-coated steel pins. Methods of preparation of polymer-coated piercing means and their use in releasing the medicament from the capsule are described.

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 nebuliser, as well as an active substance concentrate in which the active substance is present as a solution or suspension for storage purposes.

Abstract: A stackable filter device for filtering an input to a source of suction comprises: a substantially hollow filter pad having first and second filter walls constructed of a filter material, the periphery of the first filter wall being sealingly engaged to the periphery of the second filter wall to form the filter pad, each of the filter walls having an aperture. The first and second filter walls each have an annular member fixedly contacted to the circumferential edge of the aperture. The annular members support the aperture, and are structured so as to integrally form connectors operable to removably connect the filter device to the source of suction or to an additional filter device on a first side of the filter device and to a sealing end cap or an additional filter device on a second side of the filter device. The filter device preferably includes a tubular stiffening member passing through the filter device. The stiffening member is rigidly attached at each end thereof to one of the annular members.

Abstract: The present invention uses a ventilator and a series of valves to deliver a special gas into a patient. The present invention finds use in the field of MRI imaging. Attached to the tube extending from the ventilator to the patient is attached a first valve. This valve alternately connects the patient to the ventilator then to a supply of the special gas. Between the first valve and the supply of gas is a second valve, which controls the pressure between the first valve and the second valve caused by the special gas. The supply of special gas is connected to the second valve. A flow regulator controls the rate at which the special gas enters the patient. A computer is also attached to the ventilator and valves to synchronize the opening and closing of the valves and the operation of the ventilator with the patient's respiratory cycles.

Abstract: The Pediatric Prepatory and Induction Anesthesia Device (“PPIAD”) is designed to aid anesthetists in effectively administering anesthetic gas to young patients. The PPIAD has a toy-like appearance, which calms the fears of children. The PPIAD also incorporates toy-like devices such as whistles and balloons. When the PPIAD is given to children prior to treatment, the child can play with it as a toy. During this play time, the PPIAD actually teaches the child proper breathing for the administration of anesthetic gas because the whistle and balloon are only activated by deep breathing. Thus, when the child is administered anesthetic gas with the PPIAD, the application of anesthetic gas is much more effective. In addition, as the anesthetic gas is applied with the PPIAD, the child is encouraged to breathe deeply to activate the toy-like devices, enhancing the application of anesthetic gas to the child.

Abstract: An inhaler for enabling inhaled administration, has a housing having an outlet duct defining a passageway through which air can be drawn by inhalation on the part of a user. The housing contains a capillary nozzle; a container for containing a quantity of liquid to be supplied to the capillary nozzle; and an electric field controller for applying a voltage to the liquid prior to issue from the container via the capillary nozzle to expose the liquid to an electric field to cause comminution of the liquid emerging from the capillary nozzle to product a spray of electrically charged droplets such that upon inhalation by the user, electrically charged droplets for the deposition in the user's airways.

Abstract: An inhaler for releasing an aerosol from a container having a lip and an outlet normally sealed by a stem movable relative to the lip. The inhaler has an elongate body comprising a chamber having a first end and a second end, the chamber forming an opening at the first end of the chamber. The elongate body further comprises a stem block with a socket adapted to receive the stem of the container, a dispensing nozzle and a flow restrictive valve. The dispensing nozzle is adjacent to the stem block for providing communication between the socket and the chamber and is adapted to direct a discharge of the aerosol from the container stem into the chamber. The flow restrictive valve is in open communication with the chamber and responsive to a change in fluid pressure. The inhaler also has an actuator pivotably attached to the elongate body. The actuator has an opening adapted to receive the lip of the container and a detent for forming a removable connection between the lip and the actuator.

Abstract: A hyperbaric oxygen therapy system having a vertically-oriented pressure vessel and a generally rectangular door opening. The hyperbaric oxygen therapy system also includes a door frame sealingly attached to the door opening and a door panel. The door panel has a shape complementary to that of the door frame and is movable between an open position away from the door opening and a closed position adjacent to the door opening. A door support mechanism is attached to the pressure vessel and movably supports the door panel between the open position and closed position. The hyperbaric oxygen therapy system also includes an interlocking mechanism movable between a locked position when the door panel is in the closed position, wherein the interlocking mechanism extends between and secures the door panel and the door frame, and an unlocked position wherein the interlocking mechanism is retracted from one of the door panel and door frame.

Abstract: A closed circuit breathing apparatus comprising: a container containing a reactant for reacting with carbon dioxide and water to produce oxygen gas; a housing for the container; a foldable breathing bag and breathing tube assembly, including a mouthpiece disposed on the breathing bag, in gas-flow communication with the container; a cover for containing the folded breathing bag and breathing tube assembly; a strap for removably securing the cover onto the apparatus; and a chlorate candle for providing an initial volume of oxygen gas to the breathing bag wherein the breathing bag and breathing tube assembly is unfolded and the chlorate candle automatically fired by a user donning the mouthpiece.

Abstract: Mask ports 180 for attaching supplemental oxygen tubes 510 or measurement devices to a respiratory mask are downwardly directed and recessed into the base 110 of the mask frame 100. The ports may comprise a pair of downwardly extending tubular spigots 185 each housed in a respective recess 190 in the base 110, with a shallow bridging recess 290 therebetween for receiving a bridging piece 300 of a closure cap 280.

Abstract: A laryngeal-mask airway device including provision for drainage of the oesophagus comprises an inflatable main-cuff and a backplate having a laryngeal-side and a pharyngeal-side. The backplate also has an external tube-joint adjacent to the proximal region of the main-cuff. The backplate is hermetically bonded to the periphery of the main-cuff establishing separation between a laryngeal-chamber region and a pharyngeal region. An distally open evacuation tube includes a distal portion which longitudinally traverses the interior of the distal region of the main-cuff in sealed relation therewith for operative engagement and communication with the inlet of the oesophagus. The evacuation tube traverses the laryngeal-chamber region generally adjacent to the laryngeal-side of the backplate and passages through a proximally located tube-joint to the pharyngeal region.