Abstract: An nCPAP device for assisting patient breathing includes a generator body forming an inlet, a chamber, and first and second flow circuits. The chamber directs pressurized gas from the inlet to the flow circuits. The flow circuits each include a nozzle, a channel, and at least one port. The nozzle emits a jet stream into the channel in a direction of a patient side thereof. The port fluidly connects the channel to ambient, and promotes entrainment of ambient air with the jet stream. In some embodiments, the channel forms a ramp feature directing exhaled air toward the jet stream in an angular fashion. The generator body requires reduced driving pressures to achieve target CPAP levels and reduces total imposed WOB as compared to conventional designs.

Abstract: A respiratory valve device includes a catheter balloon configured for being disposed in a respiratory gas pathway and valving the respiratory gas pathway.

Abstract: A method of forming droplets comprises flowing a liquid through a channel; spreading the liquid into a thin film in the channel; and impinging the thin film with a flowing gas to atomize the liquid into droplets. The droplets may then be dried to produce dried particles, such as particles comprising a pharmaceutical active agent. The droplets formed by the disclosed process have improved size and/or size distribution characteristics.

Abstract: An nCPAP device for assisting patient breathing includes a generator body forming an inlet, a chamber, and first and second flow circuits. The chamber directs pressurized gas from the inlet to the flow circuits. The flow circuits each include a nozzle, a channel, and at least one port. The nozzle emits a jet stream into the channel in a direction of a patient side thereof. The port fluidly connects the channel to ambient, and promotes entrainment of ambient air with the jet stream. In some embodiments, the channel forms a ramp feature directing exhaled air toward the jet stream in an angular fashion. The generator body requires reduced driving pressures to achieve target CPAP levels and reduces total imposed WOB as compared to conventional designs.

Abstract: A system for reducing sound level in a respiratory gas delivery system is described. The system includes an exhaust portion and a sound reducing component that is coupled with the exhaust portion and is configured for absorbing sound. The sound reducing component includes a pathway through which air from within the exhaust portion may move.

Abstract: A disposable respiratory gas circuit is provided. The disposable respiratory gas circuit, according to one embodiment, includes at least one disposable temperature sensor and a communication mechanism. The at least one disposable temperature sensor is coupled with the disposable respiratory gas circuit. The communications mechanism provides communication between the at least one disposable temperature sensor and a temperature monitoring system.

Abstract: A respiratory component coupled with a breathing circuit, the respiratory component including at least one groove disposed upon a surface of the respiratory component, wherein the respiratory component is not a heater wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for atomizing a liquid under dispersal conditions suitable for spray drying at a commercial plant scale. In one embodiment, a liquid atomizer has a structural body adapted for connection with a spray dryer and a plurality of atomizing nozzles. Each of the atomizing nozzles includes a liquid nozzle adapted to disperse a supply of liquid and a gas nozzle adapted to disperse a supply of gas. In another embodiment, a process for producing a powder blend of at least two target substances in a single processing step is provided.

Abstract: A device for humidifying respiratory gases is provided. The device includes: an all-polymer humidification chamber; a heating element positioned independently and proximate to the humidification chamber; a base unit supporting the humidification chamber; a computer that sends adjustment instructions to a water filling valve coupled with the humidification chamber; a plurality of sensors determining light within the humidification chamber and coupled with the base unit; an airflow conduit coupled with the humidification chamber; a heater wire within the airflow conduit; and an insulation material with grooves thereon surrounding the heater wire. The adjustment instructions instruct the water filling valve to self-adjust to meet a predetermined water level objective. The airflow conduit delivers gas to the patient. The heater wire heats the gas being delivered. The grooves on the insulation wire wick water within the humidification chamber away to re-evaporation regions.

Abstract: A heater wire for removing condensation from a respiratory gas conduit. The heater wire includes at least one groove disposed thereon. The heater wire is positioned in a respiratory gas conduit.

Abstract: A system for providing humidification to gas to be provided to a patient to support breathing including: a humidification component configured for adding water vapor to the gas; and a humidification component controller coupled with the humidification component and configured for receiving humidification target value information, the humidification component controller including: a humidification target value determiner configured for determining, based on received humidification target value information, a humidification target value of at least two possible humidification target values, the humidification target value identifying a humidification level setting corresponding to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: a humidification component configured for holding a water volume, the humidification component comprised entirely of a non-metallic material. The non-metallic material conducts heat to the water volume, the heat being received from a heating element.

Abstract: A device for humidifying respiratory gases. The device includes: a humidification component that holds a water volume; and a heating element that converts received electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume, thereby heating the water volume to achieve a heated water volume.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a water level in a respiratory humidification system, said device comprising: at least one sensor positioned external to a humidification component, the at least one sensor configured for sensing water related information in the humidification component and providing the water related information to a water control module, the water related information comprising data configured for being used to control an operation of the water control module.

Abstract: A mask for patient ventilation comprises a frame portion, a front portion, a retention strap, and a gas delivery orifice. The frame portion is for surrounding a respiratory opening of a patient. The front portion is coupled with the frame portion and covers the respiratory opening region. The retention strap is for maintaining positive pressure between the frame portion and the patient. The gas delivery orifice is coupled with the frame portion and configured such that the gas delivery orifice is lateral to the front portion.

Abstract: A carbon-dioxide sampling device for non-invasively measuring carbon dioxide in exhaled breath. The device includes a breath-sampling chamber and a carbon-dioxide collector. The breath-sampling chamber is configured to be disposed over a respiratory opening of a patient, and is also configured to seal with the patient's face preventing unintentional leakage of respiratory gases from the chamber. The carbon-dioxide collector is disposed in the breath-sampling chamber in fluid dynamic isolation from the respiratory gases. Moreover, the carbon-dioxide collector is configured to be disposed in proximity to, and outside of, the respiratory opening of the patient, and to collect a sample of exhaled breath from the patient.

Abstract: A patient interface for patient ventilation comprises a frame portion and a head strap system. The frame portion is for surrounding oral and nasal regions of a patient. The head strap system is configured for coupling from a left lateral portion of the patient interface, around a posterior skull of a patient, and to a right lateral portion of the frame portion such that in response to donning of the patient interface, the head strap system supplies a securing force to secure the frame portion in a position over nasal and oral cavities of the patient, the head strap is also configured to retain a head-shape when not in use to enable intuitive donning on the patient.

Abstract: A mask for patient ventilation comprises a frame portion, a retention portion, and a connector portion. The frame portion is for surrounding a respiratory opening of a patient. The retention portion is for maintaining positive pressure between the frame portion and the patient. The connector portion is for connecting delivery tubes to the mask. The connector portion is configured such that the connector only couples with compatible components.

Abstract: In a mask for patient ventilation, a frame portion is included for surrounding a respiratory opening of a patient. A retention strap is coupled with the frame portion for maintaining positive pressure between the frame portion and the respiratory opening of the patient. A removable insert is configured to physically attach and detach from the frame portion without requiring removal of the frame or the retention strap from the patient.

Abstract: A carbon-dioxide sampling system for accurately monitoring carbon dioxide in exhaled breath. The system includes a ventilator. The ventilator is configured to ventilate a patient with respiratory gases. The ventilator includes a carbon-dioxide sampling control unit and a carbon-dioxide analyzer. The carbon-dioxide sampling control unit is configured to control the timing of sampling of carbon dioxide in the exhaled breath of a patient, and to control the timing of the analysis of exhaled gases by the carbon-dioxide analyzer.