Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for delivering NO to a patient. The device utilizes a single controller that controls two separate flow controllers to deliver an oxygen-containing gas and a NO-containing gas to the patient. The flow profiles of the oxygen-containing gas and the NO-containing gas are controlled by the controller. In one aspect of the invention, the flow profile of the NO-containing gas is proportional to the flow profile of the oxygen-containing gas throughout patient inspiration. In this regard, the patient receives a steady concentration of NO. In another aspect of the invention, the flow profile of the NO-containing gas is quasi-proportional to the flow profile of the oxygen-containing gas. In this regard, the NO-containing gas flow profile is altered to provide an increased concentration of NO either at the beginning or end of inspiration. In one aspect, the delivery device is used with mechanically-ventilated patients.

Abstract: An enhanced PEP therapy device which provides a variable frequency and variable magnitude positive expiratory pressure by utilizing a nonlinear orifice for adjusting and maintaining a desired positive expiratory pressure oscillation in accordance with a predetermined pressure range of a patient's expiratory air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for performing artificial respiration on a patient, comprising a container (1) which defines an inner volume relative to the ambient and has a first opening accommodating a valve arrangement (2, 14) which allows inflow of air or gases from the outer area to the inner area, and a second opening in connection with which there is provided a valve arrangement (3, 16) which allows outflow from the container and prevents inflow to the container through the second opening. An expansible means (7) is provided in the container and adapted to expand upon action from the outer area to displace air and/or other gases in the container (1) out through the second opening. This improves the certainty that oxygen and/or other gas finds its way to the patient's air passages.

Abstract: An inhalation device for use in delivering a powdered substance to a user, the inhalation device comprises a housing including a holding portion for holding the substance; an air entry passageway sized and configured to direct air entering the inhalation device at the portion and to fluidize the substance upon inhalation by the user; a hold-up chamber in flow communication with the holding portion for receiving the fluidized substance and maintaining the substance in a fluidized state during inhalation by the user; and an air exit passageway in flow communication with the hold-up chamber and adapted to deliver the substance to the user.

Abstract: A portable liquid oxygen (LOX) storage/delivery apparatus is provided, including an insulated (LOX) container having an interior, a bottom portion and a sidewall, the sidewall including a first side portion and a second side portion, both extending between the top portion and the bottom portion, and a port system in communication with the interior of the container for charging the container and for withdrawing LOX and gaseous oxygen from the container. The gaseous oxygen is withdrawn from the container through a first outlet and LOX is withdrawn from the container through a second outlet.

Abstract: An oxygen therapy apparatus for supply of oxygen to patients. The device comprises an inlet port (17) for receiving high pressure oxygen from a cylinder and an outlet port (1) for supplying oxygen to a patient, typically via a single tube cannula (not shown). Three valves control the supply of oxygen to the patient: a diaphragm valve (42) senses the pressure at the outlet (1) and, in particular senses whether the patient is inhaling or exhaling. A valve (36) controls the supply of oxygen to the patient via an inlet jet (25) which is selectably closed by a piston (20) incorporating a flexible seat (24). Movement of the piston (20) is in turn controlled by a pilot valve (37) in dependence on the state of the diaphragm valve (42). The device gives a pulsed output to the patient during inhalation, but shuts off during exhalation to economise on the use of oxygen.

Abstract: An interactive pressure support system and method employing a pressure generating system that provides a pressure therapy to the pulmonary system of a patient and an interactive system associated with the pressure generating system to enable the patient to interact with the pressure support system, for example, to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment provided by the pressure support system. The interactive system includes an output device that provides first information to the patient, an input device that allows the patient to provide second information that is based on the first information and a control unit that controls the operation of the output device to present the first information and collection of the second information via the input device.

Abstract: A connecting part for a breathing mask with an eye-protecting lens has a connecting piece inserted in an opening of the eye protecting lens and supported on a rim at the opening. The connecting piece has a connecting cylinder with holding elements and receptacles to hold the connecting piece on the rim by a detachably fixed U-shaped locking member.

Abstract: The apparatus is configured to provide improved nasal breathing to persons requiring a range of respiratory based remedies ranging from opening collapsed nasal passages to treating allergic reaction to delivery of immediate dosage or controlled release medication. The apparatus includes connected nasal inserts which provide nodules to open the nasal passage and which directly align with the nasal air channel. For a preferred embodiment which provides a means to delivery of breathable gas mixtures or nasal and sinus rinse solutions, the inserts contain cannula which receive and connect to the source of the gas or rinse. For another embodiment using filtration, the inserts receive disposable filtration pacs. Sustained release of predetermined medical dosages is obtained by a further embodiment wherein the inserts receive medication inserts.

Abstract: A portable method and apparatus for allowing an individual to pre-adjust at sea level for future high altitudes is taught. The invention teaches the use of a small portable breathing gas control system to adjust the gas concentrations going to a subject's facemask.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-frequency oscillation artificial respiration apparatus that includes an inhale gas introducer that supplies an inhale gas containing oxygen to a patient and a patient side path that guides the inhale gas from the inhale gas introducer into the patient. An oscillating air pressure provider that applies an oscillating air pressure having a higher frequency than a respiration frequency of the patient, to the inhale gas flowing through the patient side path, an exhaust path that exhausts an exhale gas containing carbon dioxide exhaled from the patient, into the atmosphere, and an auxiliary inhale gas supply are also provided. The patient side path includes a branching pipe that branches a flow from the inhale gas introducer to the exhaust path side and the patient side and an intrachea insert tube that is connected to the patient side end of the branching pipe can be inserted through a mouth into the trachea of the patient.

Abstract: A humidification unit adapted to be disposed in a patient circuit for humidifying the flow of breathing gas delivered to the patient via the patient circuit by an artificial ventilator system. The humidification unit includes an exothermic member having an outer surface and a plurality of hollow fibers disposed on the outer surface of the exothermic member. Each hollow fiber is defined by a peripheral wall having minute openings large enough to allow a gas to pass therethrough yet small enough to prevent a liquid from passing therethrough. Liquid delivered to the hollow fibers is heated by the exothermic member and the gas vapor resulting from the heating passes through the hollow fiber walls and humidifies the flow of breathing gas delivered to the patient.

Abstract: A vent valve apparatus for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurized above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal includes a gas washout vent, a vent valve adapted to progressively restrict the flow area of the washout vent, and a pressure sensitive vent valve controller. The controller is adapted to progressively cause the vent valve to restrict the flow area of the gas washout vent in response to increases in the pressure of the gas supply. Thereby, the vent valve substantially regulates the flow of gas through the washout vent over a range of gas supply pressures.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler for use with a pressurized aerosol container which is preferably breath-actuated. A preload (80) is applied to the internal aerosol valve by an amount sufficient to result in a dose release, but this is prevented by the application of a pneumatic resisting force (130). The inhaler comprises a release device (110) which, upon actuation, releases the resisting force and allows the preload to actuate the aerosol valve (135). A metered dose of medicament is then released for inhalation by the patient. The pneumatic resisting force is established by a negative pressure region defined in part by a diaphragm. The diaphragm includes a central disk of a first, relatively high stiffness material and a peripheral ring, coupled by a flexure of a second, relatively low stiffness material.

Abstract: A disposable, expandable/collapsible medication inhalation apparatus for use with an MDI inhaler includes an elongated housing for receiving a plume of medication particles ejected by the MDI inhaler, a mouthpiece, and an inhalation valve disposed between the mouthpiece and the housing. A pair of foldable side sections are pressed together to expand the apparatus. An exhalation port in the mouthpiece allows exhalation through the mouthpiece. A collapsible boot adapter receives a mouthpiece of the MDI inhaler. The inhalation apparatus is constructed from a single sheet of foldable sheet material.

Abstract: A device for nebulizing a fluid is supplied which has a flow director. The flow director helps to direct any bubbles formed by the nebulizing device away from the nebulizing device. The nebulizing device has a vibrating element with apertures through which the fluid is dispensed. A dispensing chamber is defined between the flow director and the vibrating element. The dispensing chamber has an inlet which is positioned below an outlet so that bubbles naturally migrate up and away from the vibrating element.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a primary inhalation passage and a secondary inhalation passage disposed in communication with the primary inhalation passage and a source of medicament. The primary inhalation passage has airflow inhibiting mechanism connected to a blocking plate positioned to selectively block fluid flow in the secondary inhalation passage. As the user's inhalation reaches a defined rate, the flow inhibiting mechanism restricts flow through the primary inhalation passage and moves the blocking plate to enable airflow through the secondary passage. Thus, as the user achieves a desired inhalation rate, the medicament is provided through the secondary inhalation passage, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.

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 directional valve for respiratory devices has a valve body and a valve seat whose contact surface with the valve body is primarily horizontal. In order to enhance and reinforce the directional valve's operation, the valve body contains a ferromagnetic material, preferably permanently magnetized, a coil is magnetically couplable to the valve body, a source of current is connected to the coil, and a control unit controls the source of current in order to regulate current through the coil to magnetically couple the coil to the valve body, in one or both of the closing and opening directions.

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).