Abstract: An artificial respirator apparatus periodically activates intercostal muscles in an organism by applying a first stimulation signal while simultaneously activating the diaphragm of the organism by applying a second stimulation signal. The intercostal muscles are stimulated according to a first set of stimulation parameters while the diaphragm is stimulated using a second set of stimulus parameters. The coordinated stimulation of the intercostal muscles and diaphragm effects artificial ventilation in the organism. The stimulation steps are substantially simultaneous and repeated between periods of non-stimulation.

Abstract: Lightweight hyperbaric chamber capable of maintaining pressures of up to 22 psi greater than ambient through the use of at least two zippers, at least one of which is a sealing zipper, and preferably with heavy fabric and a reinforcing outer layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) using a high efficiency particle air filter (HEPA) is provided. The apparatus has a pleated HEPA filter positioned in the top of a housing for filtering ETS particle contaminants. Layers of granulated activated alumina and layers of granulated activated carbon are also positioned in the top of the housing to filter gas-phase ETS contaminants. The apparatus offers substantial improvements over commercially available "smokeless ashtrays" by more effectively 1) directing ETS smoke over filter components, 2) removing ETS particle contaminants and 3) removing ETS gas-phase contaminants. The apparatus also indicates the effectiveness of the treatment process and allows users to increase the effectiveness of the treatment process.

Abstract: A monodose disposable inhaling device is disclosed which is suitable for delivery, via the respiratory tract, therapeutic medication, which includes among its objects and advantages increased convenience in medication with dry medicaments in powder form, especially with respect to accuracy of dosage and accurate placement of the drug. In one embodiment the inhaler device generally consists of a body member having a delivery portion constructed integral with a housing portion, a button member, a spring member and a spring and capsule support member. Additionally, a screen member can be disposed within the body member at the intersection of the delivery portion and the housing portion.

Abstract: A method of fabricating cigarettes through a dispensing-type machine and from a predetermined quantity of tobacco leaves selected by a user person. The method comprises storing predetermined quantities of tobacco leaves in hermetically sealed bags wherein the tobacco leaves are prevented from drying out. One or more bags are selected by the user person and inserted, one at a time, in a receiving opening of the machine. The machine cuts the tobacco leaves and provides a predetermined quantity of fine-cut tobacco. The fine-cut tobacco is transferred to a tubing station where the fine-cut tobacco is automatically disposed in cigarette tubes to form cigarettes which are ejected or dispensed for reception by the user.

Abstract: A device for laterally and axially transferring an orderly succession of smoking items, whereby each item is picked up at a first position by a gripping head on a carousel conveyor, and is fed by the carousel conveyor along a curved path into a respective seat on an intermediate roller shifted laterally by a given distance in relation to the first position, and which feeds the item to a second position substantially coaxial with, and shifted said given distance in relation to, the first position.

Abstract: A releasably engageable inhaler including a housing for holding medicine to be delivered to a patient through a discharge port. A connector allows the selective engagement of the inhaler to other inhalers which may contain the same or a different medication. An indicator on the surface of the housing allows the patient to distinguish the contents of the inhaler or the sequence in which the medicine in two or more engaged inhalers should be taken.

Abstract: The gas mixing apparatus provides the components of a breathing gas for mixing at approximately ambient atmospheric pressure, and regulates the pressure of a selected gas to approximately ambient atmospheric pressure for mixing with air at ambient atmospheric pressure. The gas mixing apparatus includes a piston disposed within a pump chamber. A flow limiting inlet controls introduction of a first selected gas such as oxygen for mixing with a second selected gas such as air. The pressure of the first selected gas is limited to an acceptable maximum pressure, so that even if a valve for admitting the first selected gas for mixing at ambient pressure fails, breathing gas will not be provided at an excessive pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic system is provided for a ventilator is provided for controlling inspired and expired patient gas flow during respiratory therapy. The pneumatic system includes a pneumatic circuit for controlling a supply of one or more selected gases to a patient and a disposable patient breathing circuit for isolating exhaled patient gasses from the pneumatic circuit. The pneumatic circuit includes a dual venturi for assisting compression and expansion of a flexible gas reservoir of the patient breathing circuit.

Abstract: A patient circuit (1) comprises an inspiratory branch (3) connected to an inspiratory flow rate source (11), and an expiratory branch (4) connected to the atmosphere through an expiratory valve (V.sub.E). An inspiratory valve (V.sub.I) is arranged between the inspiratory flow rate source (11) and the inspiratory branch (3). During inspiration, the inspiration valve (V.sub.I) is open and the pressure of the inspiratory flow source is applied to the expiration valve (V.sub.I) to close the latter. During expiration, the inspiration valve (V.sub.I) is closed, and the control inlet (6) for controlling the expiration valve (V.sub.I) is connected through a control valve (VC1) to a low pressure source (14) adjustable in a range including the zero value. The patient breathes as desired under atmospheric pressure or under positive expiratory pressure. Utilization for making a simple apparatus which provides for multiple adjustments, and compatible with its utilization at home.

Abstract: Regulator for underwater breathing apparatus comprising a box-like body of plastic material, from which a tube provided with mouthpiece, and equiped with an outlet port branches out. The box-like body of said regulator is provided with one or more metallic inserts integrated in the walls of said body.

Abstract: An injector-type atomizer with a simple structure which is capable of stepwise spraying a medicament such as vaccine drawn into a cylinder by a regular amount. The atomizer comprises a cylinder having a spray nozzle at a front end thereof, a piston fitted into the cylinder and a rod having a front end attached to the piston and a rear end projecting from a rear end of the cylinder. Between the cylinder and the rod there is provided an elastic member which is crushable in a stepwise manner or an engagement mechanism in which the engagement is released by a predetermined pushing force.

Abstract: A device for entraining a liquid into a carrier gas comprises a hollow cylindrical body having an inlet chamber separated from the interior of the body by a partition. A first nozzle and second nozzle are each supported in the partition and interconnect the inlet chamber and the body interior. A passageway connects a reservoir to the first nozzle so that a first stream of carrier gas flowing through the first nozzle aspirates a liquid within the reservoir and entrains the liquid therein. A second stream of carrier gas flows through the second nozzle and mixes with the first steam in the interior of the body, thereby forming a resultant carrier gas mixture that is lower in liquid concentration than obtainable by having the first nozzle alone. An air inlet opening with an adjustable cover communicates between the interior of the body and its exterior.

Abstract: The cigarette tube filling device (100) comprises a housing bottom part (1), consisting of a base part (2) and of a cover part (3), as well as a housing top part (6). There is formed a press chamber (8), the lower half of which is formed by a tongue (12) and the upper half (11) of which is formed by a part-cylindrical recess (11) of the top part (6). The housing top part (6) is mounted on the housing bottom part (1) pivotably about an axis (7) extending parallel to the press chamber (8). In the housing bottom part (1), a straight guide (27, 28) parallel to the press chamber (8) is provided for the slide (20) comprising the tongue (12).

Abstract: A process for the treatment of ectopic atrial tachycardia by use of ablation and/or mapping procedures comprising ablating discrete locations within the right atrium of the heart by use of an ablation catheter and a precurved guiding introducer. Also disclosed is a shape for the guiding introducer to be used for the ablation and/or mapping of the discrete locations within the right atrium for the treatment of ectopic atrial tachycardia.

Abstract: A patient airway bite block which can be used together with laryngeal mask airways (LMAs), oral endotracheal tubes, and similar patient airways. The bite block includes a bite block portion which is wedge-shaped and defines a posterior portion and an anterior portion and has upper and lower non-incisor teeth engagement surfaces. The wedge-shaped bite block portion is angled such that the non-incisor teeth engagement surfaces gradually become farther apart in a direction from the posterior portion toward the anterior portion, thereby to hold a patient's incisors apart when the bite block is positioned in the patient's mouth at one side thereof. At least one pair of spaced apart flanges is provided. The flanges extend from the bite block portion and are dimensioned to be positioned between the patient's non-incisor teeth and cheek and on the tongue side of the patient's non-incisor teeth, respectively. The flanges serve to retain the bite block in place in the patient's mouth.

Abstract: Methods are provided for use in open surgical and transluminal methods for supplying long-term retrograde perfusion of the myocardium via a conduit disposed between the left ventricle and the coronary sinus. In a first method, an opening is formed between the left ventricle and the coronary sinus, and the coronary ostium is partially occluded using a stent that prevents the pressure in the coronary sinus from exceeding a predetermined value. In an alternative method, a first end of a conduit is inserted transeptally through the right atrium and obliquely into the posterior septal endocardium of the left ventricle via the posterior pyramidal space, while a second end of the conduit is inserted into the coronary sinus via the coronary ostium. A pressure-limiting valve is included in the conduit. In either method, the outlet from the left ventricle to the coronary sinus may include a one-way valve to prevent backflow from the coronary sinus into the left ventricle during cardiac diastole.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a comminuted liquid to the upper respiratory tract, which comprises an electrohydrodynamic comminution means and a means for supplying a liquid to the comminution means. And a device for comminuting a liquid, the comminution site sit of which is provided by fibres projecting from an end surface or edge, the edge or surface being composed substantially of fibres.

Abstract: A method for repairing a defect in cartilage, comprising the provision of apertures in the cartilage by drilling holes at the base of the cartilage defect, which holes may enter the mesenchymal depot, introducing a porous scaffold material containing a plurality of magnetic particles into the apertures, and subsequently and sequentially injecting magnetically-tagged cartilage growth promoting materials such as various growth factors or chondrocytes into the area of the defect. The magnetically tagged growth promoting material is then drawn into the apertures by magnetic attraction of the magnetic particles contained in the porous scaffold material, either by virtue of the particles being permanently magnetic, or by the imposition of an external magnetic field. The present application claims the biodegradable porous scaffold material containing the plurality of magnetic particles.

Abstract: A new type of airway, the cuffed oro-pharyngeal airway (COPA), is described, which may be used as a less cumbersome alternative to face mask/oral airway technique for maintenance of general anesthesia. The airway includes an elongated tube having a length such that the proximal end is adapted to be disposed adjacent to but outside the oral cavity of the patient and the distal end is adapted to be disposed in the lower pharynx of the patient, above the epiglottis. an inelastic, inflatable cuff is mounted to the tube adjacent the distal end. On inflation, the inflatable cuff displaces the soft palate against the nasopharynx to seal-off the nasal passages and defines a seal between the tube and the pharyngeal wall. The inflatable cuff also displaces the base of the patient's tongue, thereby locking the tube in the pharynx and displacing the patient's epiglottis to a more open disposition for more effective anesthesia gas delivery to the lungs.