Abstract: A CPAP device includes a humidifier including humidifier tub having a heat conducting base plate; and a cradle to support the humidifier tub in an operative position. The cradle may also support a flow generator in operative relation to the humidifier tub. The cradle includes a heater plate in communication with the heat conducting base plate of the humidifier tub in use. The cradle further includes a retaining mechanism to retain the humidifier tub in the cradle, the retaining mechanism being structured to force the base plate into engagement with the heater plate. The humidifier and/or flow generator may include various features to manage inadvertent back-spill of water from the humidifier to the flow generator.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery system is disclosed that is a single-use (disposable) continuous nebulizer system designed for use with mechanically ventilated patients to aerosolize medications for inhalation with a general purpose nebulizer, or for connection with devices usable in endoscopic procedures. The system separates the liquid reservoir from the nebulization process taking place either at the adapter hub, where it fits into an endotracheal tube (ETT), or a gas humidifier, where the aerosol may treat a gas used in an endoscopic procedure, with a multi-lumen tube configured to nebulize liquid and air at its distal end. The refillable liquid reservoir is mounted away from the immediate treatment zone, avoiding orientation issues associated with other types of nebulizers having a self-contained reservoir. The system can produce aerosols having a wide range of droplet sizes, depending upon central lumen diameter, with values of MMAD that range from 4 to 30 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention provide with a diaper sheath comprising: an inner and outer panel, each of said inner and outer panels having front and back portion connected by an intermediate portion, said front portion of the inner panel having an opening; and a front flap attached to said front portion of said inner panel, and said opening is covered by said front flap. The diaper of the present invention is much easier and convenient to adjust the insert from the opening at the front portion. With the flap at the front portion, parents can choose to use a biodegradable pad to insert in the flap and lay on the top of the inner panel.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes a tank of compressed air and an associated connector. A coaxial conduit extends from the connector to a face plate which might be used by a first responder. Air from the tank is coupled to the face plate via an internal conduit. Exhaled air from the face mask is carried away via an external conduit that surrounds the internal conduit, at least in part, and insulates the air being coupled to the face plate from ambient temperatures. The breathable air, flowing in the internal conduit also cools the exhaled air in the external conduit prior to that air flushing spaces between protective layers of the first responder's coat.

Abstract: An aerosol generating device includes a membrane for atomizing a liquid; an actuating device, which is coupled to the membrane so that this membrane is set in oscillatory motion when activated by electric signals; and a flexible substrate, which has electric lines for supplying electric signals to the actuating device and is designed for fastening the aerosol generating device to a fastening area of an inhalation therapy unit, and on which the membrane and the actuating device are held.

Abstract: A garment comprises a laminate. The laminate comprises a first layer colored a first color, and a second layer colored a second color different than the first color. The laminate includes a folded flap in the waist region, thereby defining an integral, outwardly visible waistband having a waistband lower edge. The first layer and the second layer are coterminous at the waistband lower edge and the folded flap is an outwardly folded flap. The first layer is an inner layer and the second layer is an outer layer, and the outwardly visible waistband is colored the first color. The distinction between the first color and second color in conjunction with the fold creates a visible waistband effect.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improved retention and absorption of liquids from female menstrual periods, having multi-elements, wherein the first element has an optionally reusable outer pad retention structure, and the second element has a single use disposable inner pad, said inner pad having unique features, said features rendering said inner pad of being capable of continuously conforming to ever changing exterior vaginal geometries during an individual wearer's active work day, while simultaneously retaining all menstrual liquid within said inner pad and not allowing any leakage into the outer reusable pad, but allowing gas permeability through all elements thereby allowing heat transfer away from the user's body and a more comfortable feminine sanitary device. Further the apparatus and method allow said inner replacement pad to be augmented by an optional breathable inner supplemental replacement pad to retain additional liquid during unusually heavy menstrual liquid flow.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a planar pad manufactured from three layers, each layer made from materials of differing properties. A contact layer being safe for a neonatal infant's skin is the top layer. The middle layer is an absorption layer positioned immediately below the contact layer. The absorption layer is of a two-part construction having a first half and a corresponding second half which abuts the first half. The absorption layer is operable for dispersing and containing fluids within the pad. The bottom layer is a waterproof barrier layer which is posited directly below the absorbency layer, preferably constructed of flashspun high-density polyethylene, and is also a two part construction. An internal pull tab maintains the pad in a single assembly. Upon removing the pull tab, the pad assembly splits into two separate assembly halves.

Abstract: A combination apparatus integrates the operation of a snorkel with a diving regulator having a breathing chamber and a diaphragm/purge valve chamber. A compressed air tank is in fluid communication with the diving regulator and a normally closed regulator valve is disposed between the compressed air tank and the diving regulator. A regulator valve spring maintains the regulator valve in the normally closed position. In a first embodiment, the regulator valve spring exerts about eight pounds per square inch on the normally closed regulator valve. Air enters into the breathing chamber from the compressed air tank through the diaphragm/purge valve chamber when the submerged diver inhales. The apparatus enables surface snorkeling and underwater diving and the diver need not switch from a snorkel mouthpiece to a diving regulator mouthpiece. Further embodiments re-locate the snorkel tube exhaust valve and add a two-position valve to the snorkel main tube.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a wearing article adapted to prevent unintentional displacement of a crotch region relative to front and rear waist regions by elastics attached to the crotch region. A diaper includes front and rear waist members, a crotch member by the intermediary of which the front and rear waist members are connected with each other. The rear waist member is formed with a waist fit section and an appendix section. Of the crotch member, front and rear ends including front and rear end flaps are bonded to the front and rear waist members, respectively, to form front and rear bonded regions. Both side flaps are provided on respective inner surfaces thereof with gasket elastics attached thereto. Each of the gasket elastic overlaps at one end with a part of the front waist elastic and overlaps at the other end with a part of the appendix section elastic. Furthermore, the one end overlaps with the front bonded region and the other end overlaps with the rear bonded regions.

Abstract: A device for vaporizing and delivering an aerosol agent includes a heat generator, a heat conductor in fluid (airflow) communication with the heat generator, and a substrate holder in heat conducting relation with the heat conductor. The heat generator is a handheld, portable torch and the heat conductor defines an annular heat conducting chamber surrounding a substrate disposed within the substrate holder that supports the aerosol agent and an aerosol forming agent. Another device is a handheld, battery-powered heat generator including a heating element in heat conducting relation with a substrate holder. The heating element is a nichrome heating coil wound about the substrate disposed within the substrate holder and electrically coupled to the battery. Another device further includes an auxiliary heat generator having an auxiliary heating element formed by a finely woven wire mesh positioned adjacent the substrate and electrically coupled to the battery.

Abstract: Component of a patient interface (1), particularly a cushion, comprising a first portion (3) having a first shore hardness and a second portion (5) having a second shore hardness different from the first shore hardness, wherein the first and second portion are co-molded to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solution for controlling the pressure/flow of breathing gas to a mechanical ventilator (4) by using an energy of breathing analysis and further to provide a pressure relief during exhalation and a trigger determination when to start the pressure relief using energy content of breathing in analysis for determining a pressure curve form during at least a portion of the expiration phase.

Abstract: A wearable absorbent article having features for the containment and absorption of bodily exudates. The article may comprise an outer cover and an absorbent insert. The outer cover may be formed of durable or semi-durable materials and be launderable. The insert may be disposable. The insert may have containment and absorption features that prevent soiling of the outer cover by the wearer's exudates, so that the outer cover may be reused after an exudation event and change of inserts. The insert and/or the outer cover may have features to enhance containment, absorption, economy of materials and/or fit that make them asymmetric about their respective lateral axes, and may have features that direct a user to install the insert and/or the outer cover with correct front-rear orientation relative the wearer. Articles of commerce including packages of outer covers and/or inserts in varying combinations of numbers and features are also described.

Abstract: A flow generator for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface. The processor is programmed to generate at least one of time-based or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and reminders. Time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time. The event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors. The user interface is configured to deliver the messages to at least one of a display, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician. By this system, operation of the flow generator is facilitated and enhanced.

Abstract: An inhaler (1) includes a sieve part (9) for administrating powdered substances such as medical substances. The inhaler (1) includes a suction air channel (6) leading to a mouthpiece (4), a substance supply container (8) that is moveable inside a receiving chamber (7) and the sieve part (9) disposed in the suction air channel (6) between the receiving chamber (7) and the mouthpiece (4). The sieve part includes a retaining edge (10), a sieve area contained in a cross sectional area within the retaining edge (10), and a protruding area (12) that protrudes to one side and has a flat portion (13).

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psi, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a patient's body temperature and in particular for inducing therapeutic hypothermia. Various embodiments of the system are described. The system includes: a source of breathing gas, which may be in the form of a compressed breathing gas mixture; a heat exchanger or other heating and/or cooling device; and a breathing interface, such as a breathing mask or tracheal tube. Optionally, the system may include additional features, such as a mechanical respirator, a nebulizer for introducing medication into the breathing gas, a body temperature probe and a feedback controller. The system can use air or a specialized breathing gas mixture, such as He/O2 or SF/O2 to increase the heat transfer rate. In addition, the system may include an ice particle generator for introducing fine ice particles into the flow of breathing gas to further increase the heat transfer rate.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers are described with an inhaler body defining an enclosed cavity space and at least one of (a) an endless strip having opposing primary surfaces, the strip comprising a plurality of spaced apart blisters or dose containers holding dry powder medicament. The inhaler also has an inhalation exit flow path in the inhaler body in communication with at least one blister or at least one dose container held by the strip in a dispensing position and a piercer configured to release dry powder medicament from the blister or dose container in the dispensing position.

Abstract: A connector is configured to be connected to a syringe assembly provided with at least one syringe having an outer cylinder with a protruding tube-shaped port, and a holder which holds the syringe. The connector includes a connector main body mountable on a container containing a medical solution; a tube-shaped fitting section protruding from the upper section of the connector main body for receiving the syringe to connect the inside of the syringe and the inside of the container when the syringe port is fitted in the fitting section; and fixing means having a lock mechanism that fixes the syringe assembly to the connector main body when the syringe port is fitted in the fitting section, an operating section to release the fixed state provided by the lock mechanism, and a push-out section that pushes out the syringe assembly when the fixing releasing operation is performed.