Abstract: A microfluidic control system for controlling an EWOD device has an enhanced thermal control system for generating a temperature profile within an EWOD device that is inserted into the microfluidic control system. The microfluidic control system includes a housing that defines an aperture for receiving an EWOD device; an active heating component located within the housing at a base of the aperture; and a lid attached to the housing that is moveable between a closed position and an open position, the lid including a thermal control component. When the lid is in the closed position, the thermal control component is positioned at the aperture and aligned oppositely from the active heating component. The active heating component may include a plurality of independently controllable individual heating elements, and the thermal control component may include a respective plurality of individual thermal control elements.

Abstract: A microfluidic control system for controlling an EWOD device has an enhanced thermal control system for generating a temperature profile within an EWOD device that is inserted into the microfluidic control system. The microfluidic control system includes a housing that defines an aperture for receiving an EWOD device; an active heating component located within the housing at a base of the aperture; and a lid attached to the housing that is moveable between a closed position and an open position, the lid including a thermal control component. When the lid is in the closed position, the thermal control component is positioned at the aperture and aligned oppositely from the active heating component. The active heating component may include a plurality of independently controllable individual heating elements, and the thermal control component may include a respective plurality of individual thermal control elements.

Abstract: A patient interface is described which is reduces the pressure of the mask on the users face. The patient interface has a sealing interface having an inner sealing member and an outer sealing member. The inner and outer sealing members are adapted to seal around the facial contours of a user providing a sealed fluid communication to the user's respiratory tract. The inner and outer sealing members are at least continuously in contact with each other around the portions where the sealing interface contacts the users facial contours. The inner sealing member may be provided with cut outs to provide additional flexibility to particular areas, such as the nasal bridge, upper lip or cheek regions and may be provided with a contoured edge to better fit the facial contours of a user.

Abstract: A connector (20) to a couple breathing conduit to a patient interface or another conduit. The connector allows for an electrical connection (22a, 22b) in a first conduit (14a) to be connected to another electrical connection (21a, 21b) in a patient interface or second conduit (14b). The connector is capable of swivelling without disrupting the gas flow through the conduits of the electrical connection.

Abstract: A mask (30) is disclosed that has a gas outlet (37) which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet (37) is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a users chin in use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forehead rest for respiratory masks. An embodiment of the forehead rest comprises a deformable resilient member (300) comprising a top surface (302) and a base (303) connected by two side walls (304, 305), said top surface (302) being substantially thicker than said side walls (304, 305), said deformable member (300) evenly distributing the pressure on the forehead of a patient that contacts said deformable resilient member (300), wherein said side walls (304, 305) are capable of folding under compression.

Abstract: The present invention is a mask for the delivery of gases to a patient. The mask has a hollow body and a cushion that seals against the user's face. The cushion is comprised of an inner resilient cushion and an outer flexible sheath. The cushion preferably extends below the patient's chin when in use.

Abstract: Mask (2) and headgear (5) have quick release mechanism. In emergency, patient pulls release cord (14) causing mask to fall from face. Can be used for general respiratory care or with a ventilator. Can be used in aviation, mining or firefighting.

Abstract: A pump is formed by a housing (10) having an inlet (11) for connection to a source of fluid and an outlet (12) for pumped fluid. A rotor (15) is rotatable within the housing and the inlet (11) and the outlet (12) are spaced apart around the path of the rotor (15) in the housing. The rotor (15) has surfaces (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) that form, with the housing (10), closed chambers (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) which travel around the housing (10) to convey fluid from the inlet (11) to the outlet (12). The housing (10) carries a seal (14) that is located between the inlet (11) and the outlet (12) in the direction of travel of the rotor (15). The seal (14) co-operates with the rotor surfaces (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) as the surfaces (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) pass between the outlet (12) and the inlet (11) to prevent the formation of a chamber during said passage and so prevent fluid flow from the outlet (12) to the inlet (11). Such a pump is easily and cheaply produced and is particularly useful in medical applications.

Abstract: A patient interface is described which is reduces the pressure of the mask on the users face. The patient interface has a sealing interface having an inner sealing member and an outer sealing member. The inner and outer sealing members are adapted to seal around the facial contours of a user providing a sealed fluid communication to the user's respiratory tract. The inner and outer sealing members are at least continuously in contact with each other around the portions where the sealing interface contacts the user's facial contours. The inner sealing member may be provided with cut outs to provide additional flexibility to particular areas, such as the nasal bridge, upper lip or cheek regions and may be provided with a contoured edge to better fit the facial contours of a user.