Abstract: An oral medical apparatus includes a flexible tube with a first portion adjacent a proximal end of the tube and a second portion adjacent to the first portion. A support is located within the upper portion to prevent compression or collapse of the upper portion of the tube. The oral medical apparatus can accommodate a rigid connector that may be directly coupled to an anesthesia breathing circuit or a medical breathing device.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, systems and methods for delivering oxygen to a passenger of an aircraft via an oxygen mask having one or more sensors involve analyzing blood oxygen saturation measurements from the sensor(s) to determine a current oxygen saturation level, determining the current oxygen saturation level is insufficient, and adjusting an oxygen flow rate to the mask to compensate for the current blood oxygen saturation level.

Abstract: An inhaler device for pulmonary delivery of at least one substance from a drug dose cartridge to an inhaling user, including: a first conduit for conducting a carrier airflow to a proximal opening of a mouthpiece for use by the user; a holder configured to position the dose cartridge within the carrier airflow; and a second conduit for conducting a shunting airflow to the mouthpiece without passing through the dose cartridge position. In some embodiments, a controller connected to a valve controls a rate of carrier airflow, for example by controlling the shunting airflow, based on a sensor indication of airflow rate and a target airflow profile.

Abstract: In a pulmonary ventilation system, a filter arrangement useful as an input filter arrangement and an output filter arrangement is constructed to allow for changing or cleaning of the filter without interrupting or impacting the ventilation therapy and to limit the release of pathogens to the surrounding area or atmosphere. A preferred exhaust filter is constructed to function as a water trap and filter. Methods of operating the pulmonary ventilation system are also disclosed along with kits containing materials to construct an input or an output filtration structure.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psig, 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: A system and method for safe sipper mask with a slidable element to open and close an opening on the mask as well as straw placed in the opening with a protrusion to stop the straw from entering too far into the mouth of the wearer whereby the mask has a stabilizer positioned between the inner and outer surfaces to provide stiffness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pain management device with a body portion having an hourglass shaped, elongated handle with an arm at one end for releasably attaching one or more treatment attachments, one or more generally planar scraping wings for Gua Sha treatment, and a motor inside configured to impart vibration in each of several modes optimized for vibration therapy. The invention may also include a kit with the pain management device, and one or more treatment attachments designed for unilateral or bilateral vibration application adjacent to trigeminal and/or vagus nerves. The treatment attachment may have two or more pivotable arms that extend along an axis generally perpendicular to the elongated handle when attached to the pain management device.

Abstract: FIGS. 1-16D & 66A-92D disclose a large variety of methods of forming the headgear for use in combination with a breathing apparatus including a unitary plastic core within textile casings. In some configurations, the plastic core material penetrates or bursts-through the textile casing of the straps. Some configurations include over moulding, alignment posts, T-joints and joint housings with injection aperture. FIGS. 17-65 & 93A-94C disclose a large variety of different headgear arrangements including top strap, front strap, rear strap and pairs of straps extending from the mask above and below the ear to meet behind the ear. FIGS. 95-121B disclose a large variety of connectors connecting the headgear assembly to the mask assembly where the headgear, mask and connector form a closed loop the connector is disengaged with the mask assembly.

Abstract: Techniques and devices for extending a piston, for example connected to a medical device such as a mechanical CPR device, to accommodate different sized patients, are described herein. In some cases, a piston of a mechanical CPR device may include an inner piston at least partially slidable into an external piston sleeve. In one aspect, an external piston spacer may be attached to an outward surface of the inner piston to extend the length of the piston. In another aspect an internal bayonet sleeve may contact one or more locking rods at various positions, enabling adjustment of the length of the inner piston. In yet another aspect, a piston adapter may be removably attached to the end of the piston. In all aspects, the change in length of the piston may be detected and used to modify movement of the piston, for example to more safely perform mechanical CPR.

Abstract: A mechanical ventilation device (10) includes a mechanical ventilator. At least one airway sensor (24, 26) is configured to measure at least one of airway pressure and airway air flow as a function of time for a patient on the mechanical ventilator. At least one microprocessor (28, 30) is programmed to analyze at least one of airway pressure and airway air flow measured by the airway sensor to detect a spontaneous respiration anomaly in respiratory muscle pressure as a function of time generated by a patient on the mechanical ventilator. A display component (22) is configured to display an indication of a spontaneous respiration anomaly detected by the anomaly detection component.

Abstract: A breathing mask, including a mask body having an inner area; a breathing valve configured to control the flow of breathing gas into the inner area of the mask body, the breathing valve comprising a membrane having an outer surface; and a flushing arrangement, comprising: a flushing area located adjacent the outer surface of the membrane; at least one exhalation chamber configured to receive exhaled air from the inner area of the breathing mask; and at least one channel fluidly connecting the flushing area and the at least one exhalation chamber; wherein, during user inhalation, air from the at least one exhalation chamber flows through the at least one channel into the flushing area, and during user exhalation, air from the flushing area flows through the at least one channel into the at least one exhalation chamber.

Abstract: A device for providing a known concentration of blended air and oxygen, or oxygen, to an individual which incorporates a face mask inside a hood, thereby preventing aerosolization of potentially harmful exhaled gases and controlling condensation issues within the hood while under pressurized conditions. The air tight seal required to allow placement and removal of the hood on the individual will be manufactured using injection molded elastomers to over-mold injection molded rigid plastic components.

Abstract: A laryngeal nerve exciting system includes a collar holding a bridge, or a neckband, pressing soft tissue nerve exciters against a patient's neck providing a source of vibrations to stimulate the laryngeal nerve through the larynx. At least one exciter, and preferably two exciters, provide vibrations at preferably 70 Hz to 110 Hz and sufficiently strong to penetrate to the laryngeal nerve. The exciters may be held by the collar circling the neck, or by the neck band partially circling the neck. The therapy system includes a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and software which wirelessly connects, monitors, and triggers the device. The system may be used to treat dysphagia, chronic cough, and spasmodic dysphonia.

Abstract: A legged robotic device is disclosed. The legged robotic device can include a plurality of support members coupled together for relative movement defining a plurality of degrees of freedom, which can correspond to degrees of freedom of a human leg. The legged robotic device can also include actuators to apply forces or torques to the support members in the degrees of freedom. In addition, the legged robotic device can include potential energy storage mechanisms associated with the degrees of freedom operable to store potential energy as a result of relative movement of the support members in the degrees of freedom and to provide at least a portion of the stored potential energy to the support members as compensating forces or torques to assist the actuators. In one aspect, elastic potential energy can be stored. A spring rate and/or a zero position of the potential energy storage mechanisms can be dynamically variable.

Abstract: A full face respirator mask includes a ring-shaped frame, a transparent face plate connected to an inner periphery of the frame, an air inlet extending through the face plate, and a cushion integrally molded to the frame and having an abutment portion. The frame has top, bottom, left and right parts. At least one protruding plate extends rearwardly and horizontally from the top part. The at least one protruding plate is embedded in the cushion body to push the abutment portion to abut tightly against the face of a user when the full face respirator mask is positioned on the face of the user.

Abstract: A respiratory system is configured to pressurize and deliver a flow of respiratory gas to a patient's airways. The respiratory system includes a cushion configured to sealingly engage the patient's face and a blower mounted to the cushion and configured to pressurize a flow of respiratory gas. An interface structure is attached to an outlet of the blower and an aperture in the cushion. The interface structure forms a gas flow path between the cushion and the blower. The gas flow path is configured to deliver the pressurized respiratory gas from the blower through the aperture in the cushion. The gas flow path is also configured to vent exhaled gas from the aperture in the cushion to atmosphere. The respiratory system also includes headgear configured to support the cushion and the blower on the patient's face.

Abstract: A cushion member (10) is for use in a pressure support system (2) for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The cushion member includes an annular body (12) comprising a first end (14) and a second end (16) disposed opposite the first end, the body defining a passage (18) therethrough; a sealing portion (20) extending from the second end of the body into the passage, the sealing portion having an outer surface (21) structured to sealingly engage about the airway of the patient and an inner surface (23) disposed opposite the outer surface; and a support portion (22,24) extending from the second end of the body into the passage and terminating at a distal end (26,28). The distal end of the support portion engages a portion of the body at or about the second end.

Abstract: A mask for use at an operating pressure substantially equal to atmospheric pressure includes a body with a three-dimensional shaped chamber that is configured to receive a user's mouth and nares and operate at the operating pressure. The mask also includes a seal forming structure with a nose seal portion that extends around at least a portion of the user's nares on an inferior side of the user's nose inferior to the user's nasal ridge, and a mouth seal portion that forms a seal at least partially around the user's mouth and between the user's chin and lip inferior. The nose seal portion is directly connected to the mouth seal portion. The mask also includes a positioning and stabilising structure to provide a force to hold the seal forming structure in position against the user.

Abstract: A removable fluid connection fitting for an oral irrigator is provided. The oral irrigator may include a base unit including an opening formed therein, an oral irrigator handle including a handle inlet, a fitting removably coupled to the base unit and seated within the opening formed in the base unit, and a tube in fluid communication with the fitting and the handle inlet. The fitting may include a fitting inlet and a fitting outlet, the fitting inlet being in fluid communication with the base unit. The tube may be in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. Fluid from the base unit may flow through the fitting inlet, to the fitting outlet, into the tube, and into the handle inlet.

Abstract: A knee device and method of stimulating muscles is disclosed. The knee device includes a knee brace with a support frame and vibration components. The vibration components are connected to the support frame by adjustable arms that allow for precise adjustments in the spatial position and orientation of the vibration components. The vibration components can be activated by the ambulation of a user.