Abstract: A respiratory delivery system is disclosed which preferably includes both medicament and plower recharge capabilities. The system includes a portable inhaler with a rechargeable medicament cartridge and a rechargeable power supply. This power supply may be electrically interconnected with one or more components of the portable inhaler, including a droplet ejection device, a controller for the droplet ejection device, an actuation switch, an inhalation sensor, and/or an electronic memory. The system further includes a recharging unit which includes an inhaler docking station, a medicament recharging system, and a power recharging system. When the portable inhaler is docked to the recharging unit, the recharging unit recharges the power supply of the portable inhaler and recharges the medicament cartridge of the portable inhaler by providing additional medicament thereto.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient having a malocclusion between the upper and lower mandibles, and obtaining optimum relative positioning of the mandibles. The treatment is useful in correcting respiratory conditions such as sleep apnea, and in prosthodontics and implantology. The method comprises measuring the malocclusion and determining the variation of the malocclusion from an optimal line occlusal contact, then mounting a dental appliance on one or both of the upper and lower mandibles and providing points of engagement on the exposed surface of the appliance to engage the other mandible as it is moved towards the closed position against the one mandible, to thereby reposition the mandibles in a direction toward line occlusion. After one or more periods of use of the appliance, the appliance is modified until the mandibles achieve line occlusion.

Abstract: An inhaler is disclosed which delivers medicament or other appropriate fluids to a user, typically in droplet form and typically during inhalation. One embodiment of the inhaler includes an inhaler housing, an airflow conduit assembly which at least extends through the inhaler housing, a mouthpiece which is at least fluidly interconnectable with the airflow conduit assembly, a droplet ejection cartridge housing which is at least partially disposed within the airflow conduit assembly, and a droplet ejection cartridge which is removably disposed within the droplet ejection cartridge housing. Dosing of the medicament can be controlled by the measurement of airflow through the device. Droplets of medicament which are discharged by the droplet ejection cartridge are entrained in the flow of air which is drawn through the airflow conduit assembly by the user's inhalation and are discharged from the inhaler through the mouthpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for supplying breathable gas is disclosed. The apparatus (10) includes a main housing (12), a sub-housing (14), having a gas flow path (28) between a gas inlet (16) and a gas outlet (18), a motive power source (22) within the main housing (12) and an impeller (30) within the sub-housing (14) in fluid communication between the gas inlet (16) and the gas outlet (18). The impeller (30) is adapted to releaseably engage the motive power source (22) external the gas flow path (28) and the sub-housing (14) is releasably connectable to said main housing. Also disclosed is a method of cleaning, sterilising or disinfecting the gas flow path (28) of the breathable gas supply apparatus (10). The method of cleaning comprising the steps of removing the sub-housing (14) from the main housing (12) cleaning, sterilising, disinfecting or replacing the sub-housing (14) and connecting the sub-housing (14) to the main housing (12).

Abstract: A nebulizing assembly for infants for delivering inhalable medication to infants and toddlers. The nebulizing assembly for infants includes a mask with a perimeter edge adapted to be positioned such that the user's nose and mouth are within an interior space of the mask when the perimeter edge abuts the user's face, a nipple coupled to the mask positioned to be received by the mouth of the user when the mask abuts the user's face, and a nebulizer assembly in environmental communication with the interior of the mask for delivering inhalable medication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhalation device for dispensing a medicament from a valved dispenser. The device includes a housing having a longitudinal slot, an associated nozzle body, a cylindrical advance tube that slidably receives therein the dispenser and that has an external helically extend thread member, an advance ring that associates with the dispenser and that slidable engages the advance tube, and a level indicator. A zigzag track in either the advance tube or the advance ring, and a mating stud in the other of the ring or tube causes the advance tube to rotate when the ring is moved reciprocally when the dispenser is actuated. The level indicator device linearly indicates a remaining amount of medicament.

Abstract: An autotransfusion system for collecting blood from a patient and reinfusing the blood back into the patient is disclosed. The system includes a collection unit, a manually operable portable suction evacuator removably connected to the collection unit, and a blood reinfusion bag removably connected to the collection unit. The collection unit includes a collection chamber that is oversized relative to the volume of blood that the unit is intended to contain, and an airflow port located and oriented in the collection chamber to prevent blood from leaking into the port when the collection unit is oriented upright or on its side. When connected to the patient, the collection unit and portable suction evacuator are maintained free of blood by enclosing them within a substantially transparent, flexible envelope. The envelope enables the unit and evacuator to be connected and set-up for proper operation while preventing blood from contacting the outer surfaces of the unit and evacuator.

Abstract: An assembly provides multiple access ports to an intubated patient's respiratory system through a closed ventilating system. A manifold is configured for attachment to the patient's artificial airway and a conventional ventilating system. A movable adapter is provided at the proximal port of the manifold and includes at least two access ports defined in a movable member. The movable member can be moved into various positions to align any of the access ports with the proximal port of the manifold. Any manner of devices may be mated to the access ports, including devices to ventilate the lungs of the patient with gas or gasses, aspirate secretions from the lungs, oxygenate the lungs, visually inspect selected parts of the respiratory system, sample sputum and gasses, sense parameters such as flow rates, pressure, and temperature, flush the respiratory tract with washing solution, or administer medication, gasses, and/or lavage.

Abstract: The present invention is a collection container assembly comprising a container having a wall space between the inner and outer wall of said tube whereby the external dimensions of the container are substantially the same as a standard-sized blood collection tube but with a reduced internal volume.

Abstract: An adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus includes a rigid airway portion comprising a mouthpiece and a flexible airway portion frictionally engaging and slidably disposed in the mouthpiece. The overall length of the apparatus can be varied by sliding the flexible portion relative to the mouthpiece.

Abstract: An actuator for an inhaler for delivering medicament by inhalation, comprising: a housing (22) which defines a cavity (34) for receiving a canister (8) which comprises a body (10) which defines a chamber containing medicament and a valve stem (13) which extends from the body (10), the body (10) and the valve stem (13) of the canister (8) being relatively movable between a first, non-actuated position in which the canister (8) is closed and a second, actuated position in which the canister (8) is open; a nozzle block (24) for receiving the valve stem (13) of the canister (8); a mouthpiece (21) for providing medicament from the nozzle block (24) to the mouth of a user; a locking mechanism (16) for selectively locking the canister (8) in the non-actuated position, which locking mechanism (16) when released allows for the actuation of the canister (8); and a loading mechanism (18) which comprises a biasing element (134) for loading one of the body (10) or the valve stem (13) of the canister (8) with an actuating

Abstract: An oxygen diffuser for a lightweight oxygen delivery system for a patient, the oxygen delivery system being of the type comprising a mount for seated engagement on a patient's head or ear, an elongated tubular boom for oxygen delivery secured at one end to the mount and having the diffuser secured to the other end, the diffuser to deliver oxygen passed through the boom to a space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth, the diffuser comprising a body having a wall, the interior surface of which wall is of generally concave configuration, circumscribing a centrally positioned oxygen outlet so as to direct the flow of oxygen from the outlet generally towards the patient's nose and mouth; and a baffle seated over the oxygen outlet so as to assist in mixing of oxygen with ambient air and avoid a direct flow of oxygen towards the patient's face.

Abstract: A supply pipe (33) supplies a liquid to a comminution site (40) at which the liquid is subjected to an electric field so as to produce charged comminuted material. An electrical discharge electrode (5) produces ions to at least partially electrically discharge the comminuted material. A further electrode (60) spaced from the comminution site (40) by the electrical discharge electrode (50) electrically attracts ions produced by the electrical discharge electrode (50) away from the comminution site (40) until sufficient space charge is built up to divert the ions towards the charged comminuted material to enable the ions at least partially to discharge the comminuted material.

Abstract: A unitary breathing head device for administering intermittent percussive ventilation to a patient having an airway and for use with an IPV device having a source of continuous gas flow and having a source of pulsed gases comprising a combination injector and exhalation valve assembly comprising a main body having an airway port for communication with the airway of the patient and having proximal and distal extremities and a flow passage extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. The main body has a depending portion forming a plenum chamber in communication with the flow passage in the main body. A nebulizer is removably secured to the depending portion of the main body and has a nebulizer chamber in communication with the plenum chamber. The depending portion of the main body and the nebulizer form a handle adapted to be gripped by the hand of the patient holding the breathing head assembly.

Abstract: A multiple functionality pneumatically controlled medical ventilator provides precision regulation of tidal/forced breathing, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)-based spontaneous breathing capability. The ventilator includes a patient breathing gas coupler that is adapted to be coupled to a patient airway breathing interface, and an input port to which a pressurized breathing gas is coupled, A pressure regulator supplies breathing gas at a positive pressure sufficiently higher than nominal lung pressure to prevent collapse of the patient's lungs. A tidal breathing gas supply unit periodically generates a volume-regulated tidal breathing gas for application to the patient airway breathing interface, while the CPAP valve supplies a pressure-regulated breathing gas to the patient airway breathing interface, in response to a patient demand for breathing gas that is exclusive of the tidal breathing supply.

Abstract: Unwanted separation of an inner cannula from an outer cannula in tracheostomy devices can be achieved by installing a retaining ring which prevents the inner cannula from unwantingly being unlatched from the outer cannula. The retaining ring allows the air supply elbow to be separated which, in turn, permits the sensory alarms to properly sound when a disconnection of the air supply arises.

Abstract: A cartridge for use on a medical apparatus is provided and includes a body having a proximal chamber and a distal chamber. An antimicrobial agent is disposed in one of the distal or proximal chambers. A port is located on the body and communicates with the chamber in which the antimicrobial agent is disposed. In another embodiment, another port is located in the other chamber. Also, a respiratory suction apparatus is provided that is fitted with a cartridge mentioned above.

Abstract: A HME bypass system including a manually actuated bypass valve which is coupled into a respiratory air circuit, preferably upstream of the HME, to permit inspiratory air to be selectively passed through the HME, or to bypass the HME, depending upon the treatment desired by the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A respirator mask for filtering breathed air including a mask portion dimensioned for covering the mouth of the user. The mask portion includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and an air chamber therebetween. The mask portion includes a generally circular peripheral edge. The peripheral edge includes a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposed side edges. The mask portion includes a recessed mouth section on the inner portion thereof. The recessed mouth section includes a central aperture in communication with the air chamber. The mask portion includes a pair of air vents secured to the outer portion thereof. The pair of air vents each have open inner and outer ends. The open inner ends are in communication with the air chamber. A mouthpiece portion is removably coupled with respect to the mask portion. The mouthpiece portion includes a shield portion dimensioned for positioning within the recessed mouth section of the mask portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-frequency oscillation (HFO) artificial respiration apparatus comprising an inhale gas introduction block 62 for supplying an inhale gas to a patient X, a patient-side path 60 for guiding the inhale gas to the patient X, an oscillating air pressure urging block 50 for applying an oscillating air pressure to the inhale gas, an exhaust path 70 for exhausting an exhale gas exhaled from the patient X, and a controller 40 for controlling operation of the oscillating air pressure urging block 50. The oscillating air pressure urging block 50 includes a blower 52 and a rotary valve 54. The controller 40 includes an input block 41 for accepting a ventilation frequency and a ventilation amount at a time for the patient and an operation control block 49 for controlling the rotary valve 54 and the blower 52 according to values entered.