Abstract: A microstructured filter having an inlet for unfiltered fluid; an outlet for filtered fluid; a plurality of projections which are arranged in at least two rows in mutually juxtaposed relationship, project out of a base plate and are an integral component of the base plate; a plurality of passages between the projections and a cover plate which is securable to the base plate to cover the projections and the passages. The passages form a plurality of through paths from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet includes an elongate inlet slot for the unfiltered fluid that extends over approximately the entire filter width and is approximately as high as the projection on the outlet side of the filter.

Abstract: A method of humidifying a gas that includes supplying a gas to a surface of a humidification material that readily absorbs moisture and readily releases moisture when exposed to a dry environment and generating turbulence in the gas as it passes over the surface of the humidification material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat and moisture exchange (HME) unit that includes a housing having a fibrous media in the housing that is designed to absorb and retain moisture and heat from exhaled air passing through the housing. The HME unit is designed to transfer the moisture and heat to inhaled air passing through the HME unit. The HME unit has an internal bypass in the housing to enable air to pass through the heat HME unit without passing through the fibrous media. The present invention also provides a breathing circuit that includes a medication bypass HME unit, a medication treatment device and a ventilator that is connected in a closed system.

Abstract: A forehead support (10) for a respiratory mask (14). The forehead support (10) includes a pair of arms (22). The arms (22) are each adapted to locate a forehead cushion (30). The arms (22) are also adapted to pivot relative to each other. The arms (22) are also selectively lockable at two or more angular positions relative to each other. The forehead support (10) can thus be adjusted to suit the facial topography of the wearer of the respiratory mask (14).

Abstract: A respiratory protection air-purifying device that minimizes the area required in front of the face, especially around the mouth area, by locating the heavier filter cartridge behind the head, resting on the lower neck and shoulders, connected by two filtered air tubes around the head and neck partially counter-balancing the valve chamber directly in front of the mouthpiece, forming a ring around the head with the mouthpiece in the mouth and the exhaust port in the bottom of the valve chamber. The valve chamber has the filtered air intake check type valves opposite each other horizontally, an exhaust check type valve down with short exhaust tube and an oval mouthpiece tube passing through the mouthpiece, into the mouth. The respirator is worn around the head and neck with the filter resting on the lower neck and shoulders, the mouthpiece inserted in the mouth.

Abstract: A protective mask for resisting biting by a detainee has a panel of flexible, breathable material shaped to extend across and cover the nose, mouth and cheeks of a wearer and at least one fastener strap extending between the opposite sides of the panel for extending around the back of a wearer's head in order to secure the panel in position across a wearer's face. An elongate bite-resisting strip member is secured to the central region of the inner face of the panel to extend transversely across the mouth. This will resist or prevent biting by the wearer through the material of the panel. A central folded region of the panel creates a space between the panel and the wearer's mouth, the folded region being open at the lower edge of the panel to prevent pooling of vomit or the like within the mask.

Abstract: An actuation inhibitor for metered dose inhalers comprises an annular band of semi-rigid plastics material having a substantially circular cross-section, with an upstanding wall encompassing from about 260° to 315°, a gap in the wall of from about 45° to 100°, and a pair of outwardly projecting walls, one at each side of the gap. The inside diameter when at rest in an unstressed manner is slightly smaller than that of a medication canister. The height is from about 40% to 65% of the predetermined diameter, and the length of each of the projecting walls is from about 10% to 50% of the height. The semi-rigid plastics material is sufficiently flexible to permit the pair of projecting walls to be spaced apart one from the other by up to about a further 90°, and the plastic memory permits the spreading apart of the projecting walls without being overcome.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler has a dispersion chamber containing beads. A dose of dry powder is released into the chamber, or into an inlet tangentially joining into the chamber. As the patient inhales on a nosepiece or mouthpiece, air moves circularly through the dispersion chamber to drive the beads. The beads roll, bounce, and collide repeatedly with the drug particles on the chamber surfaces or on the beads. The smaller active drug particles are separated from larger carrier particles and from each other, and a powder aerosol is created and inhaled by the patient. The beads are preferably lightweight, so that they can be rapidly accelerated and moved, even with nominal inspiration. The flow resistance of the inhaler is also reduced via the beads, allowing greater airflow and powder dispersion, without any increased effort by the patient.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers (FIG. 1) with integrated active energy patient assist dispersal systems are configured with control systems which provide adjustable energy output responsive to the user's inspiratory capabilities and/or the flowability of the dry powder being administered. The multi-dose dry drug package (FIG. 2) a piezoelectric polymer substrate which flexes to deform and provide mechanical oscillation in a selected region of the package corresponding to the dry powder drug which is dispersed during inhalation by a user. Control system (FIG. 12) employs fuzzy logic to relate in response to a user's inspiratory effort.

Abstract: An inhalation nebulizer (1) includes an aerosol generator (2) that has a diaphragm (22) vibrated by a vibration generator (23). The inhalation nebulizer (1) includes a liquid storage container (21) that is in fluid contact with the diaphragm (22). A liquid contained in the storage container (21) is atomized into a mixing chamber (3) through openings in the diaphragm and can subsequently be inhaled by a patient.

Abstract: A gain controller and method for controlling the value of a gain is used in conjunction with an electrode array for detecting a signal representative of respiratory drive output of a patient during inspiration, and a lung ventilator for assisting inspiration of the patient. The gain controller comprises an input for receiving the signal representative of respiratory drive output; a comparator for determining whether the signal representative of respiratory drive output is higher or lower than a target drive signal; and a gain adjustment unit for increasing the value of a gain when the amplitude of the signal representative of respiratory drive output is higher than the amplitude of the target drive signal and for decreasing the value of this gain when the amplitude of the signal representative of respiratory drive output is lower than the amplitude of the target drive signal.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a regulator for diving free from any possibility that smooth operation of respective components might be obstructed due to the presence of impurities in the air supplied from an air cylinder. In the regulator, a tubular coupler member coupling a regulator for diving to an air hose extending from an air cylinder is provided with a filter assembly.

Abstract: A device used with fluid canisters comprising a transparent body allowing the viewing of movement within the body having a minor and major cavity with a float indicator and float seat within the minor cavity. An inhaler top and bottom fits each end of the body forming an airtight chamber within the major and minor cavity above the float, the top having a seat to accept a canister and a nozzle aperture to accept a nozzle of the canister oriented to release fluid from the canister into the major cavity. An inlet through the minor cavity below the seat maintains pressure equal to pressure outside of the body within the minor cavity. Inhalation through a mouthpiece and one way valve reduces pressure within the major and minor cavity above the float drawing fluid through the one way valve creating a pressure difference across the float causing it to move.

Abstract: The invention features a drug delivery device which contains a cup-shaped body for enclosing a single external nare of a mammal but does not extend into the nostril of the mammal. The device is used in methods to treat pulmonary diseases. e.g., exercise intolerance, cough, and asthma-like attacks in horses and other animals.

Abstract: A system for securing an endo-tracheal or other tube in position upon a patient includes a head pad and securing members which can be adjustably attached to the head pad. The head pad is configured to support the head of a patient in a supine position. The head pad includes a number of slits formed in each lateral side of the head pad, such that a securing member can be threaded through any one of the slits. The securing member is configured to be releasably and adjustably attachable to the lateral sides of the head pad by being secured to itself via hook and loop fastener portions disposed upon the member. The opposite end of the securement member can include an adhesive layer or other mechanism for attachment of the end of the member to the endo-tracheal tube or other medical article.

Abstract: A method for administering a drug to a patient comprises coupling a valve system to the patient's airway. The valve system is configured to prevent or impede respiratory gases from flowing into the lungs for at least some time such that the intrathoracic pressure is less than atmospheric pressure. A drug is introduced into the patient, and the intrathoracic pressure is lowered using the valve system to cause blood to flow into the thorax and thereby increasing vital organ perfusion to enhance the circulation of the drug.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system that adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-á-vis the mask and/or airflow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.

Abstract: An on demand supplemental oxygen delivery system that is self-calibrating includes a tank containing a supply of oxygen and a nasal cannula through which the oxygen may be provided to a patient when the system solenoid valve is in the open condition. When the valve is in the closed condition, the cannula communicates with a pressure transducer via a transducer line. An orifice is formed in the line so that the pressure within the transducer line goes to atmospheric pressure when the valve is in the open condition. The pressure transducer reads the atmospheric pressure and directs it to a system controller where it is stored as a reference pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensing apparatus comprising a housing (10) for receiving a pressurised container (15) containing product for dispensation, series of markings (172) indicative of quantities of product in the container, indicator means (160; 200) for indicating one of the markings of the series, and means for effecting relative movement between the indicator means and the series of markings on actuation of the pressurised container, so as to designate a subsequent marking of the series.

Abstract: Indirect airflow measurement through breath-operated device is accomplished by incorporating an airflow sensor into the inhaler device along a low resistance channel disposed away from the exhaust chamber of the device and having an input port in airflow communication with a low resistance channel and output input port and low resistance channel are formed in the main housing body of the device, and further incorporating an output port formed near the exhaust changer near the mouthpiece assembly, the output port also in airflow communication with the low resistance channel. A method of measuring airflow in an inhalation device is also described that measures air flowing through the low resistance channel. Another aspect of the invention provides a method that allows for the closure of the devices' airflow ports, by allowing for the rotation of the mouthpiece assembly from open to closed positions relative to the inhaling device's main housing body and towards handle assembly.