Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for nebulizing liquids. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a thin shell member having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween. The apertures are tapered to narrow from the rear surface to the front surface. A liquid supplier is further provided which delivers a predetermined unit volume of liquid to the rear surface. A vibrator vibrates the thin shell member to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the thin shell member.

Abstract: A face mask for covering the nose and mouth of the wearer for supplying breathing gas thereto and a pair of strapless goggles which are easily and quickly donnable. The goggles are detachably attachable to the face mask by a tongue-and-groove connection wherein the tongue of the goggles is snapped into the face mask groove. Buttons are provided at the groove entrance for locking the tongue in the groove, the goggles being removable by depressing the buttons and sliding the tongue out over the depressed buttons. A face mask strap is coupled with hooks on the goggles frame for holding the goggles sealingly against the wearer's face. A vent is provided for supplying breathing gas to the goggles for venting thereof so as to prevent the entrance of smoke or disabling gases and to defog the lens.

Abstract: A system, and corresponding method, that interfaces with a gas polarization system to deliver a polarized noble gas to a subject for inhalation. Large volumes of polarized noble gas are obtained by repeated production/freezing cycles of a spin-exchange system. A storage cylinder is provided for storing a polarized noble gas. A gas delivery line is coupled to the storage cylinder and selectively delivers the polarized noble gas to the storage cylinder, and from the storage cylinder to the subject. A vacuum means is in communication with the gas delivery line for evacuating the storage cylinder in the gas delivery line prior to the noble gas being delivered thereto.

Abstract: A dual cylinder manifold comprising a flexible, high pressure hose member connected between a first and a second interconnector that funnels pressurized air from two cylinders containing pressurized air to a single regulator. In operation, the first interconnector is attached to a first cylinder valve, the second interconnector to the second cylinder valve, and a regulator attached to the second interconnector. The hose member may be removably connected to the interconnectors so that it can be replaced with another hose member if desired. The manifold may also include valve connectors attached to the interconnectors for connecting to the cylinder valves, a valve adaptor for adapting the second interconnector to receive a regulator of differing connecting design where necessary, a valve connector for making the intended regulator compatible with the second interconnector, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Inhalation apparatus for dispensing a product comprises a housing (2) having a cylindrical portion (6) adapted to receive a pressurized dispensing container (3) and a mouthpiece (7). The apparatus includes a duct (18) communicating with the container receiving portion for conveyance of product towards the mouthpiece. An air inlet valve provided by a vent hole (14) and an actuator (19) is provided and is biased with a first position sealing the air inlet. The actuator is manually movable to a second position in which the air inlet is unsealed and allows air to flow into the housing and through the mouthpiece for any user applied suction to the mouthpiece and to a third position for the dispensing of a product into the resulting air flow. The movement between the second and third positions delays the discharge of the product until air flow through the device has been established.

Abstract: A mechanical ventilator for ventilating a patient employs an air displacement member mounted for oscillating motion in a chamber; preferably the chamber is semi-cylindrical and the air displacement member is a vane mounted for oscillating movement about an axis of rotation such that a free outer edge surface of the vane is maintained in closely spaced apart relationship with the interior wall of the chamber throughout the oscillating; the ventilator permits significant variation in the ventilation flow waveform.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube cleaning apparatus to be used with an endotracheal tube, the cleaning apparatus having an elongate tubular member with a distal end that extends into the endotracheal tube and at least one channel defined therethrough and terminating at a distal end disposed in a vicinity of the distal end of the elongate tubular member. A cleaning assembly is provided at the distal end of the elongate tubular member so as to affirmatively engage the interior wall structure of the endotracheal tube, as a result of a resilient material bladder, for cleaning thereof. A ventilator coupling is further provided and is connected to the endotracheal tube. Moreover, a first inlet port of the ventilator coupling is coupled to a ventilator assembly structured to supply air to a patient, and a second inlet port of the ventilator coupling is structured to receive the elongate tubular member therethrough into the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: Orthodontic tooth grip for mouthpieces of breathing pipes and/or of dispensers of self-contained breathing apparatus for scuba divers, consisting of two hollow bodies made of very thin and very elastic material and filled with a very fluid material. The said material is, for example, a liquid and/or a gel and/or a pasty material. The said tooth grip may be replaced in the event of it getting damaged.

Abstract: Procedure of mechanical support of natural respiration and process of an artificial respiration with simultaneous registration of mechanical cardiac action via measurement of electric impedance variations within the region of the throat, breast and/or epigastrum, wherein a course of application of respiratory gas supply and respiratory gas restore carried out by the respiratory apparatus is controlled by progress of a measured impedance curve.

Abstract: A mouth-to-mouth resuscitator device for providing a physical barrier between a rescuer and a victim including a hollow tubular housing having an air input end and an air output end and counting a self closing one way valve having a disc shape secured between the housing ends and a pair of spaced apart rods secured to the disc for attaching the disc to a support plate, so that the inner end of the plate is received between the rods to support the valve disc and provide a hinge for dividing the disc into a pair of flaps to bend outward to an open position in response to forced air for transferring the air from the air input end to the air output end, and the flaps resiliently return to a closed position when the forced air has dissipated.

Abstract: An improved alternative breathable gas source for underwater breathing to be used in combination with a main air tank and a pressure regulator connected to a main air tank. The improvement comprises combining an auxiliary air tank having a manifold and pressure regulator, where the manifold is in fluid communication with the main air tank and is provided with a check valve therein for precluding air flow from the manifold to the main air tank. Thus when the main air tank is filled with pressurized air, the auxiliary air tank is also filled with pressurized air, but should the main air tank become depressured, the check valve prevents air flow from the auxiliary air tank to the main tank. The improvement also comprises an alternate air supply system having an auxiliary air tank where the auxiliary air tank is in combination with a pressure regulator that regulates air to a pressure for comfortable breathing.

Abstract: A non-contact gas dispenser comprising a head set apparatus, a gas source and a conduit for directing the desired gas to a region proximate to the user's nose and mouth. The gas source preferably is a pressure swing adsorption apparatus that allows the user to select one of at least two pre-determined settings of product gas, each setting having a distinct concentration and flow rate different from the other setting(s).

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus which defines an outlet through which a metered dose of liquid from a reservoir is dispersed as an atomized spray. A droplet of liquid is metered onto a perforate membrane which is vibrated by way of a piezoelectric transducer such that atomized droplets are dispensed through the holes formed in the membrane. At each actuation of a delivery device, which provides the metered quantity of liquid, the transducer is actuated so as to vibrate the membrane for a period greater than the dispensing period required for the droplet to be dispensed. The apparatus is particularly suitable for dispensing pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract: A single dose device for delivering an active substance via the nostrils or mouth is portable, lightweight, compact and easily hand-held.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide indicator in an exhaust port of a resuscitator assembly. The carbon dioxide indicator is preferably in a removable insert for ease of maintenance and replacement. Breath-to-breath indications are provided by either exposing the indicator to the ambient air at the exhaust port, or diverting a portion of the fresh air or gases provided to the patient.

Abstract: A novel filtration device having a substantially rigid frame comprised of an outer peripheral band connected by a plurality of spacers to an inner breather tube, wherein filter pads are secured over both sides of the frame and separated by the spacers to form an enclosed central air pocket accessible only through the breather tube. The breather tube is adapted to be detachably connected to an inlet port in a respirator face mask so as to provide a closed channel for air flow from the central air pocket to the interior of the face mask.

Abstract: A disposable face mask that includes a filter body capable of filtering liquids and/or particles of a size appropriate for the mask's intended purposes, while providing excellent breathability and comfort to the wearer for extended periods of time. The filter body is formed from multiple layers of filtration material having various configurations. Such masks may be secured by one or more knitted headbands to the head of a wearer. Various gasket-type sealing materials such as plastic film or other materials such as hydrogel may be used to enhance the fluid barrier formed between the periphery of the mask and the wearer's face. For one embodiment the face mask may include a continuous loop of material to secure the mask on a wearer's face.

Abstract: A dosing device (17) for the medical administration of powder (16) through the nose or mouth has a valve body (27) which is movable in a discharge channel (22) between two valve seats (25, 26). During suction, the spherical valve body (27) is raised from the lower, container-sealing valve seat (26) and moved by a flow drag to the upper valve seat (25), so that it closes the discharge channel (22) and terminates dosing. The formation of the air/powder dispersion can be assisted in that the air subsequently sucked into the container is directed onto or into a powder supply or to a powder receiver in a pre-chamber fillable by tilting the device for pre-dosing.

Abstract: A tracheostomy cannula for use in a tracheostoma is described, which is provided with a hose-like outer cannula into which an inner cannula, which is also hose-like, can be guided and can be locked to the outer cannula at the proximal part in order to form a cannula tube, wherein a cannula plate (3) for application to the neck is fitted in the proximal area of the outer cannula (1), through which the proximal part of the outer cannula reaches (1). It is proposed that the cannula tube is mounted so that it is pivotable about at least two spatial axes (X, Y) with respect to the cannula plate (3).

Abstract: Apparatus and method of treating OSA (Obstructve Sleep Apnea) are disclosed wherein a Positive Airway Pressure device is utilized to provide a gases supply which is then passed through a humidifier. As the amount of water vapor generated by the humidifier is very low at start up (typically the humidifier comprises a water container on a heating plate) the pressure of gases supplied by the apparatus are controlled so that the humidity of the gases supplied to a patient are always at the maximum of the capability of the humidifier to humidify that air flow.