Abstract: A metered dose inhaler (10) for use with a pressurized aerosol canister (18) includes a housing (12) defining a conduit (16) with a mouthpiece (56), and an actuator (26) with a nozzle discharge orifice (30) arranged to discharge aerosol into the conduit. An air tube (34) is arranged within the conduit with an inlet (38) of the air tube formed in the conduit wall (74) and an outlet (36) of the air tube in opposing relationship with the nozzle orifice. Inhalation through the mouthpiece causes air to be drawn into the inlet and flow out of the outlet of the air tube to form an air jet which impinges on an oppositely moving aerosol plume from the orifice. Auxiliary air inlets (46) in the closed end (24) of the conduit provide a boundary layer flow along the inner wall (44) of the conduit. Vortex generators (54) on the inner wall of the conduit add vorticity and turbulence to the boundary layer flow.

Abstract: Regulator for underwater breathing apparatus, comprising a box-like body containing the device that regulates the admission of air from the first reducing stage, fitted with a mouthpiece through which the air is inhaled and an outlet through which the exhaled air is discharged, the air-regulating device comprising a chamber in which the regulating valve is located and chamber that communicates with the surrounding water, the chambers being separated by a diaphragm that controls the regulating valve, with the chamber that communicates with the surrounding water being delimited by the diaphragm and by a wall provided with plurality of a apertures; the apertures are provided with a grid-like element that break up the flow of fluid through the latter.

Abstract: A facepiece insert and facepiece combination suitable for use as a respiratory mask. The respiratory mask may be combined with air purifying cartridges or breathable gas sources such as oxygen reservoirs. The insert is molded flat with living hinges, and the facepiece body is molded onto the insert in sealing engagement.

Abstract: An adaptor assembly which attaches at the upper end opening of the snorkel. The adaptor assembly comprising an upper housing, snaps into the end of the snorkel tube. The snorkel tube follows the contour of the snorkeler's head. The upper housing has a flange to seal against the snorkel tube. The upper housing has a gentle bend at the end that is approximately 90 degrees. A float pivots on pins at a lower area of the upper housing. The float has a suitable lightweight material (low specific gravity) such as closed cell foam held in the lower area and a sealing valve at the upper area. A cover surrounds the upper housing/float housing assembly. The cover that surrounds the upper housing/float housing assembly serves to both protect the moving components and to be a splash guard to keep water from splashing into the opening. When the upper portion of the snorkel is submerged, the float tilts and causes the sealing valve to shut off the opening of the upper housing.

Abstract: The present apparatus insures proper orientation during use of an oral or nasal inhaler, as well as providing an audible rattle to aid in remembering to shake the inhaler prior to use. An indicator ball is confined within a substantially horizontal tube in the inhaler housing. One end of the tube is visually exposed within the user's field of view. The indicator ball remains out of view within the inhaler housing unless the inhaler orientation is held in a substantially vertical orientation. When proper vertical orientation is achieved, the indicator ball rolls to the exposed end of the tube and is visible to the user. Shaking the inhaler prior to use causes the indicator ball to rattle within the tube producing an audible rattle. The event of shaking the inhaler and hearing the rattle provides the user with a reinforced memory to shake the inhaler prior to use.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler (10) for use with a pressurized aerosol canister (18) includes a housing (12) defining a conduit (16) with a mouthpiece (56), and an actuator (26) with a nozzle discharge orifice (30) arranged to discharge aerosol into the conduit. An air tube (34) is arranged within the conduit with an inlet (38) of the air tube formed in the conduit wall (74) and an outlet (36) of the air tube in opposing relationship with the nozzle orifice. Inhalation through the mouthpiece causes air to be drawn into the inlet and flow out of the outlet of the air tube to form an air jet which impinges on an oppositely moving aerosol plume from the orifice.