Abstract: A breath powered positive airway pressure device having an expiratory chamber for receiving expired air from a user. The chamber has at least one resiliently flexible surface that is configured to expand to accommodate the expired air, so that the pressure within the chamber gradually increases during expiration. The device may also include an inspiratory chamber for holding air to be inspired, wherein the at least one resiliently flexible surface forms a flexible partition separating the expiratory chamber from the inspiratory chamber. The flexible partition is configured to expand into the inspiratory chamber during expiration, so that the air that is held within the inspiratory chamber also becomes pressurized during expiration.

Abstract: A breath powered positive airway pressure device having an expiratory chamber for receiving expired air from a user. The chamber has at least one resiliently flexible surface that is configured to expand to accommodate the expired air, so that the pressure within the chamber gradually increases during expiration. The device may also include an inspiratory chamber for holding air to be inspired, wherein the at least one resiliently flexible surface forms a flexible partition separating the expiratory chamber from the inspiratory chamber. The flexible partition is configured to expand into the inspiratory chamber during expiration, so that the air that is held within the inspiratory chamber also becomes pressurized during expiration.

Abstract: A breath powered positive airway pressure device having an expiratory chamber for receiving expired air from a user. The chamber has at least one resiliently flexible surface that is configured to expand to accommodate the expired air, so that the pressure within the chamber gradually increases during expiration. The device may also include an inspiratory chamber for holding air to be inspired, wherein the at least one resiliently flexible surface forms a flexible partition separating the expiratory chamber from the inspiratory chamber. The flexible partition is configured to expand into the inspiratory chamber during expiration, so that the air that is held within the inspiratory chamber also becomes pressurized during expiration.

Abstract: A breath powered positive airway pressure device having an expiratory chamber for receiving expired air from a user. The chamber has at least one resiliently flexible surface that is configured to expand to accommodate the expired air, so that the pressure within the chamber gradually increases during expiration. The device may also include an inspiratory chamber for holding air to be inspired, wherein the at least one resiliently flexible surface forms a flexible partition separating the expiratory chamber from the inspiratory chamber. The flexible partition is configured to expand into the inspiratory chamber during expiration, so that the air that is held within the inspiratory chamber also becomes pressurized during expiration.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for inducing or maintaining a target end tidal concentration of a gas in a subject comprising a breathing circuit, a source of gas flow into the circuit, means for controlling the rate of the source of gas flow into the circuit and means for controlling the concentration of gases in the source gas flow independently from each other. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of preparing an apparatus for inducing or maintaining a target end tidal concentration of a gas X in a subject comprising selecting a rate of a source gas flow into a breathing circuit, selecting the concentration of at least one constituent gas of a component gas making up the source gas to a level corresponding to the end tidal concentration of the gas X, whereby the apparatus is adapted to administer a source gas having a first gas composition.

Abstract: This invention discloses a novel nasal insert which reduces the effect of upper airway resistance syndrome. The insert comprises a short, hollow, flexible tube with the central portion of one side being removed. The insert is inserted into each nostril to allow increased airflow and reduce the work of breathing. The efficiency of the insert may be increased by its impregnation with aroma-therapy essential oils.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for inducing or maintaining a target end tidal concentration of a gas in a subject comprising a breathing circuit, a source of gas flow into the circuit, means for controlling the rate of the source of gas flow into the circuit and means for controlling the concentration of gases in the source gas flow independently from each other. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of preparing an apparatus for inducing or maintaining a target end tidal concentration of a gas X in a subject comprising selecting a rate of a source gas flow into a breathing circuit, selecting the concentration of at least one constituent gas of a component gas making up the source gas to a level corresponding to the end tidal concentration of the gas X, whereby the apparatus is adapted to administer a source gas having a first gas composition.

Abstract: A CPAP device and method are provided. The CPAP device includes an inspiratory reservoir, a positive pressure air source, and a pressurizing device. The inspiratory reservoir is fluidically connectable with at least one breathing orifice of a user. The positive pressure air source is fluidically connectable to the inspiratory reservoir. The pressurizing device is movable from a first position to a second position by releasing stored potential energy. During movement to the second position the pressurizing device applies a generally constant pressure to gas contained in the inspiratory reservoir. The pressurizing device is both movable towards the first position and augmentable in stored potential energy by pressure from exhalation air from the user.

Abstract: A new protective device for use against biting of mosquitoes and other arthropods and in particular, a material which can be used in the manufacture of regular clothing or specialty clothing to protect an individual from bites from mosquitoes and other arthropods.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for inducing or maintaining a target end tidal concentration of a gas in a subject comprising a breathing circuit, a source of gas flow into the circuit, means for controlling the rate of the source of gas flow into the circuit and means for controlling the concentration of gases in the source gas flow independently from each other.

Abstract: A new protective device for use against biting of mosquitoes and other arthropods and in particular, a material which can be used in the manufacture of regular clothing or specialty clothing to protect an individual from bites from mosquitoes and other arthropods.

Abstract: A gas flow control mechanism for a gas blender comprising: a voltage sensitive orifice defining a passage for each gas to be controlled and having an inlet port in fluid communication with a gas source and an outlet port in fluid communication with a plenum for mixing at least two gases; a gas flow controller placed in a feed back loop to adjust at least a parameter or characteristic of a gas flow exiting from the orifice through the outlet port to preset value; the gas flow controller comprising a gas flow resistor in fluid communication with the gas exiting from the orifice and adapted to generate an output signal based on a gas flow characteristic, and a comparator, responsive to the gas resistor flow signal, to continuously evaluate and monitor the characteristic of the gas exiting from the orifice, compare the same with the preset value and minimize any difference therebetween by adjusting current supplied to the orifice which in turn adjusts the gas flow therethrough to the preset value by adjusting the

Abstract: A gas flow control mechanism for a gas blender comprising: a voltage sensitive orifice defining a passage for each gas to be controlled and having an inlet port in fluid communication with a gas source and an outlet port in fluid communication with a plenum for mixing at least two gases; a gas flow controlling means placed in a feed back loop to adjust at least a parameter or characteristic of a gas flow exiting from the orifice through the outlet port to a preset value; the gas flow controlling means comprising a gas flow resistor in fluid communication with the gas exiting from the orifice and adapted to generate an output signal based on a gas flow characteristic, and a comparing means, responsive to the gas resistor flow signal, to continuously evaluate and monitor the characteristic of the gas exiting from the orifice, compare the same with the preset value and minimize any difference therebetween by adjusting current supplied to the orifice which in turn adjusts the gas flow therethrough to the preset v

Abstract: A method and device for effective delivery of a gas such as oxygen for inhalation are described that sequentially dilute room air to the flow of gas during a respiratory cycle. A mask assembly is described that comprises an inspiratory and expiratory limb each containing a very low resistance one-way valve, and a sequential dilution conduit (leading from the atmosphere to the inspiratory limb) with a one-way valve that has a slightly positive cracking pressure. A sequential dilution valve may also be placed in the sequential dilution conduit.

Abstract: A method and device for effective delivery of a gas such as oxygen for inhalation is provided by sequentially diluting room air to the flow of gas during a respiratory cycle. A mask assembly is described that comprises an inspiratory and expiratory limb each containing a very low resistance one-way valve, and a sequential dilution conduit (leading from the atmosphere to the inspiratory limb) with a one-way valve that has a slightly positive cracking pressure. A gas reservoir is also attached to the inspiratory limb. During expiration, the reservoir is filled with oxygen, for example, flowing from the oxygen source. During inspiration, oxygen from the oxygen source and the reservoir are drawn preferentially. If the oxygen flow is equal to or greater than the minute ventilation of the subject, no atmospheric air is entrained into the mask assembly and the subject gets pure oxygen. If the minute ventilation (tidal volume) exceeds the oxygen flow, the reservoir is depleted.

Abstract: A method of controlling PCO2 in a patient at a predetermined desired level(s) comprising a breathing circuit which is capable of organizing exhaled gas so as to be preferentially inhaled during re-breathing when necessary by providing alveolar gas for re-breathing in preference to dead space gas.

Abstract: An inhalation device for use in delivering a powdered substance to a user, the inhalation device comprises a housing including a holding portion for holding the substance; an air entry passageway sized and configured to direct air entering the inhalation device at the portion and to fluidize the substance upon inhalation by the user; a hold-up chamber in flow communication with the holding portion for receiving the fluidized substance and maintaining the substance in a fluidized state during inhalation by the user; and an air exit passageway in flow communication with the hold-up chamber and adapted to deliver the substance to the user.

Abstract: A breath-powered inhalation device includes a hollow cylindrical body having an air inlet at one end and an air outlet at another end. The air outlet is narrowed so that air velocity increases as air moves through the outlet. At the air outlet is positioned a releasing mechanism which preferably has a fibre tip impregnated with a medicament or the like. As the air rushes past the releasing mechanism, the medicament or the like is atomized and carried into the respiratory tract of the user by the air. The breath-powered inhalation device of the present invention provides advantages over conventional inhalation devices using compressed gases as propellants since it is more compact, simpler and does not require synchronization of activation of the device and inhalation by the user.

Abstract: An inhalation device for use in delivering a powdered substance to a user, the inhalation device comprises a housing including a holding portion for holding the substance; an air entry passageway sized and configured to direct air entering the inhalation device at the portion and to fluidize the substance upon inhalation by the user; a hold-up chamber in flow communication with the holding portion for receiving the fluidized substance and maintaining the substance in a fluidized state during inhalation by the user; and an air exit passageway in flow communication with the hold-up chamber and adapted to deliver the substance to the user.

Abstract: A device for monitoring tidal volume in a subject comprising a flexible substrate for attachment to an animal or human whose tidal volume is to be monitored; sensing means attached to the substrate and connectable into an electric circuit which converts changes in tidal volume in the animal or human to a signal output, the sensing means comprising a series of semiconductive sensors and conductive sensors. A method for monitoring tidal volume in a subject using the device is also described.