Abstract: Implementing multiple load balancer drivers for a single load balancer is disclosed. A first request directed to a load balancer to load balance requests based on a first request selection instruction is received. A first particular load balancer driver is selected from a plurality of load balancer drivers based on a load balancer table that correlates request selection instructions to corresponding load balancer drivers of the plurality of load balancer drivers. Subsequent requests that are encompassed by the first request selection instruction directed to the load balancer are caused to be load balanced by the first particular load balancer driver.

Abstract: Oxygen is supplied to a pediatric patient through a plaything coupled to an oxygen source. Oxygen is dispensed through the plaything through one or more oxygen ports which allow the patient to interact with the plaything while maintaining a flow of oxygen near the mouth and nose of the patient for maximum oxygen transfer.

Abstract: A connector for openly connecting conduits includes male and female parts adapted to couple by plug fit connection and structured to permit relative rotational displacement in coupled condition.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for supplying breathable gas. The apparatus (10) includes a flow generator (12), a gas outlet (14), a connector (21) interposed between the flow generator (12) and the pressure sensor (20), the connector having a connecting inlet (22) and a connecting outlet (24), a pressure sensor (20) interposed between the connecting outlet (24) and the gas outlet (14). The connector (21) is adapted to allow selective connection to either a duct member (30) providing a direct flow path from the connecting inlet (22) to the connecting outlet (24) or to a humidifier (26) interposed between the connecting inlet (22) and the connecting outlet (24).

Abstract: An indicator for detecting correct intubation of an endotracheal tube has a paper color-change element attached to a frame that is removably secured in a transparent connector in the machine end of the tube. A handle on the frame extends along the outside of the connector so that the indicator can be removed from the machine end of the connector by pulling the handle. The indicator prevents another connector being attached to the connector in the tube until after the indicator has been removed.

Abstract: A device for improving the breathing of a user includes an upper arch (12) adapted to receive at least some of the user's upper teeth, a lower arch (14) adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth, a connector (16) adjustably coupling the lower arch (14) to the upper arch (12), a support surface (54) positioned forwardly, relative to the lower arch (14), and a tensile member (48). The tensile member (48) has first and second ends, in which the first end of the tensile member (48) adjustably couples to the connector (16), and the second end of the tensile member (48) couples to the lower arch (14). The tensile member (48) contacts the support surface (54) along a contact region of the tensile member (48) located between the first and second ends of the tensile member (48). The connector (16) is operable to adjustably position the lower arch (14) forwardly, relative to the upper arch (12), by exerting a tensile force upon the lower arch (14).

Abstract: An improved, compact and low-maintenance respiration humidifier of a simple design is proposed, which has an outer jacket with a water feed as well as a breathing gas feed line and breathing gas drain line and contains a bundle of hydrophobic hollow fibers. The breathing gas feed line and the breathing gas drain line are in a gas flow connection with the interior of the hollow fibers. The hollow fibers preferably include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and have structure for electrical heating on their outer, water-side circumferential surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and humidifying respiratory gases include a housing, a filter element located in the housing, and a gas permeable member positioned in the housing to exchange heat and moisture with respiratory gases passing through the housing. In one embodiment, the inlet portion of the housing is detachably secured to the remainder of the housing and is adapted to be replaced, together with the filter element, while the outlet portion of the housing remains connected to the tube for passing respiratory gases. Additional materials, such as generating material useful to produce moisture and heat and heat generating materials useful to generate heat may be included within the housing. The present apparatus are particularly structured and adapted to reduce the risk of causing trauma to the patient and to increase the safety and comfort of the patient using such apparatus.

Abstract: An occluder for supporting and preventing escape of anesthesia gases through face masks when not in use includes a C-shaped support base. The base consists of a flat base plate adapted to fit beneath a surgical mattress, a side plate located in a plane normal to that of the base plate which has a height equal to the thickness of a standard surgical mattress, and a top plate which is in a plane parallel to that of the base plate. A solid cylindrical support shaft is integral with and extends upwardly from the top plate. Preferably the cylindrical support shaft has a main body portion approximately 15 mm in diameter and a top portion of reduced diameter which is preferably 13 mm in diameter. The components of the occluder are preferably formed of a non-ferrous metal such as aluminum.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a ventilation control system and method of powering up a patient ventilator for detecting if a patient is connected to the ventilator when the ventilator is initially powered up prior to input of ventilator settings. The ventilation control system utilizes a user-friendly user interface for the display of patient data and ventilator status, as well as for entering values for ventilation settings to be used to control the ventilator. Values for ventilation settings entered during set up of the ventilator result in the display of only those further ventilation settings that are appropriate in accordance with the earlier entered settings.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a clinically effective dose of an inhalable, pharmaceutically active compound, which system includes a dry powder inhaler device containing a powder containing the pharmaceutically active compound, wherein (a) of the powder particles dispensed by the inhaler device (the “metered DPI dose”), at least 40% are less than about 10 microns in diameter at the point the particles exit the inhaler, (b) the metered DPI dose is sufficient to produce a clinically effective result in a patient; and (c) the amount of the compound in the metered DPI dose is not more than 70% of the minimal amount of the compound which, when dispensed in a pressurized metered dose inhaler, produces an equivalent clinically effective result in the same patient.

Abstract: A face mask is disclosed that includes a mask portion, a resilient member (e.g., a pillowed web), and, optionally, an adhesive portion. The resilient member and the adhesive portion are alternately positionable between the mask portion and the wearer to inhibit the passage of vapor between the mask and the wearer, which prevents fogging of the wearer's eyewear. A method for using the face mask is also disclosed.

Abstract: A respiration-synchronized oxygen supplying apparatus includes a sensor detecting respiration of human being, a valve connecting and disconnecting communications between a first gas passage coupled to the human being and a second gas passage coupled to the oxygen supplier, and a controller for controlling the valve based on information from the sensor. A negative pressure generating mechanism is provided having a communication area widened as closer to the human being between the valve and the human being, and a third gas passage is coupled to the negative pressure generating mechanism to normally communicate between the sensor and the human being. During an oxygen supplying state, oxygen does not leak toward the negative pressure sensor, so that the oxygen can be employed without waste.

Abstract: A self-contained system which converts nitrous oxide to a breathable gas mixture of nitrogen and oxygen. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a portable system is disclosed wherein liquefied nitrous oxide is converted to a breathable gas mixture of nitrogen and oxygen. The decomposition occurs over a catalyst bed which is all contained in a small reactor. The invention is useful for underwater, fire fighting and outer space applications.

Abstract: A cuirass type ventilator compresses a shell member having a peripheral edge and a sealing device secured to the peripheral edge, the sealing device compressing a scaling member depending from the peripheral edge of the shell, the sealing member having a sealing region for sealing against a patient's body, a securing region whereat the sealing member is secured to the shell and a resilient pleated region intermediate the sealing region and securing region whereby, in use, the resilience of the pleated region urges the sealing region into scaling engagement with a patient's body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible respirator filter having substantially coextensive front and back portions of filter material which are sealed to each other along their periphery, forming a sealed edge. A flexible plastic frame is contained within the front and back portions to form a plenum between the front and back portions of filter material. The frame has a peripheral edge which remains adjacent to the sealed edge of the filter material along substantially the entire length of the sealed edge to provide sufficient rigidity to prevent crushing while at the same time providing sufficient flexibility to fit under other personal protective equipment. A connector for attaching the filter to the respirator mask is formed integrally with the frame such that it protrudes through the back portion of the filter material. A plurality of recesses are also formed integrally with the frame to facilitate grasping the filter without crushing or damaging it.

Abstract: A connector has a main body with a breathing gases passageway extending therethrough. A connection at one end of the passageway is configured to engage with the expiratory tube connection of a ventilator. The other end of the passageway is connected to the expiratory arm of a breathing circuit. A flow restricting valve member is associated with the connection to the ventilator for substantially closing off the breathing gases passageway on disconnection of the connector from the ventilator.

Abstract: For maintaining the inhalable pulverulent carrier substances and their properties when marker substances and/or active substances are applied, initially the substance to be applied is dissolved in a liquid, then the fluid is vaporized and finally the aerosol droplets are dried for forming aerosol particles whereupon the aerosol particles are whirled for being contacted with the pulverulent substance. The associated device comprises an aerosol generator 11 including on the nozzle-type, ultrasonic or other vaporizer for the substance to be applied, which is dissolved in a liquid, and a drying means for drying the aerosol particles so formed. Moreover, a mixing chamber 12 is provided for receiving pulverulent carrier substance and for establishing a whirling contact thereof with dry aerosol particles circulated and introduced therein.

Abstract: A quick release mechanism and headpiece for use with a respirator. The quick release mechanism uses an over center latch pivotly attached to a yoke to control the tension in a pair of upper tension cords. In the latched position the upper tension cords traverse the yoke and together with a pair of lower tension cords support and seal the respirator mask against the face of the wearer. In the unlatched position the upper tension cords loosely support the mask below the chin of the wearer in a parked position. The upper and lower tension cords are attached to a circular shaped headpiece having a crown piece fitting to the top of the head of the wearer and a base portion fitting to the back of the head of the wearer. The headpiece is advantageously comprised of multiple layers wherein the outer layer is comprised of a rigid material and the inner layer is comprised of a compliant material.

Abstract: A protective breathing mask has a connector housing unit having a connector housing for accommodating breathing mask components. The connector housing unit has a flange-like collar extending from the connector housing. The flange-like collar has a connecting rim. A mask body made of an elastomer has a profile-reinforced portion defining a cutout for the connector housing unit and the profile-reinforced portion is shaped to match the peripheral rim. A clamping ring is provided for fixedly securing the profile-reinforced portion at the connecting rim. The clamping ring has a slot for holding the profile-reinforced portion. The clamping ring is shaped to match the connecting rim of the flange-like collar and has a connecting surface for connecting the clamping ring to the collar at the connecting rim.