Abstract: A bi-level positive airway pressure device includes a housing that has a patient port for connecting to an airway of a patient. There is a device (e.g., a nozzle) for generating a positive airway pressure that is directed through a conduit towards the patient port. An exhalation detector includes a nozzle emitting a jet of a gas directed across the conduit and directed at a receptor channel when exhalation gases flow from the patient port, thereby an increase a gas pressure is present at the receptor channel when the exhalation gases flow from the patient port. The exhalation detector converts the increase in the gas pressure into a movement of an occluding member such that when the exhalation gases flow from the patient port, the occluding member moves to block the means for generating the positive airway pressure.

Abstract: A breathing assistance device with improved pressure characteristics provides a high level of CPAP per unit of supplementary respirable gas consumed while maintaining low CPAP fluctuations throughout the breath cycle utilizing a frustrum-shaped air channel to accelerate air flow. In some embodiments, a manometer is provided for monitoring pressure and/or a pressure relief valve is provided as a safety measure against overpressure delivered to a patient. In some embodiments, the device is disposable for one-time or single patient use.

Abstract: A device for detecting a flow of a first gas in a conduit includes a gas jet interfaced to a side of the conduit. The gas jet emits a jet of gas aimed across the conduit. A fluid port is interfaced to a distal side of the conduit for receiving the jet of gas and a pressure-detecting device is interfaced to the fluid port. In absence of the flow of the first gas within the conduit, the gas jet enters the fluid port and the pressure-detecting device reports a first pressure. In presence of the flow of the gas within the conduit, the gas jet is deflected away from the main port by the flow of the first gas and the pressure-detecting device reports a second pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure.

Abstract: A breathing assistance device with improved pressure characteristics is capable of providing a high level of CPAP per unit of supplementary respirable gas consumed while maintaining low CPAP fluctuations throughout the breath cycle. The invention also includes a manometer for monitoring pressure and a safety pressure relief valve as additional safety measures against overpressure delivered to a patient. In some embodiments, the device is disposable for one-time or single patient use.

Abstract: A device for detecting a flow of a first gas in a conduit includes a gas jet interfaced to a side of the conduit. The gas jet emits a jet of gas aimed across the conduit. A fluid port is interfaced to a distal side of the conduit for receiving the jet of gas and a pressure-detecting device is interfaced to the fluid port. In absence of the flow of the first gas within the conduit, the gas jet enters the fluid port and the pressure-detecting device reports a first pressure. In presence of the flow of the gas within the conduit, the gas jet is deflected away from the main port by the flow of the first gas and the pressure-detecting device reports a second pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure.

Abstract: A bi-level positive airway pressure device includes a housing that has a patient port for connecting to an airway of a patient. Within the housing is a device that generates a positive airway pressure directed towards to patient port. Also within the housing is a system that detects exhalation (by a patient that is connected to the patient port) that enters into the patient port. Responsive to detecting exhalation, a blocking device occludes the device that generated positive airway pressure, thereby reducing or stopping the positive airway pressure. Upon the system detects abatement of exhalation, the blocking device is operated to no longer occlude the device for generating positive airway pressure, thereby providing positive airway pressure to the patient port.

Abstract: A device for detecting a flow of respiration in a conduit includes a source of a gas jet interfaced to a side of the conduit. The source of the gas jet emits a jet of gas aimed across the conduit. A main port is interfaced to a distal side of the conduit for receiving the jet of gas and a pressure-detecting device is interfaced to the main port. In absence of the flow within the conduit, the gas jet enters the main port and the pressure-detecting device reports a first pressure. In presence of the flow within the conduit, the gas jet is deflected away from the main port by the flow and the pressure-detecting device reports a second pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure.

Abstract: A bi-level positive airway pressure device includes a housing that has a patient port for connecting to an airway of a patient. Within the housing is a device that generates a positive airway pressure directed towards to patient port. Also within the housing is a system that mechanically detects exhalation (by the patient that is connected to the patient port) that enters into the patient port. Responsive to detecting exhalation, a blocking device occludes the device that generates positive airway pressure, thereby reducing or stopping the positive airway pressure until the system that mechanically detects exhalation no longer detects exhalation, at which time the blocking device is operated to no longer occlude the device for generating positive airway pressure, thereby providing positive airway pressure to the patient port during, for example, inhalation.

Abstract: A manometer with a cadence indicator includes a housing and a gas pressure indicator interfaced to the housing. An input port of the housing is for connecting the manometer to a source of gas pressure, such that the gas pressure at the input port is reflected in the gas pressure indicator, providing a pressure reading. A cadence module is interfaced to the housing such that cadence is provided concurrently with the local of the gas pressure indicator in two cadence pulse frequencies, one for timing of chest compressions and one for timing of administration of breaths. Cadence is provided visually or audibly.

Abstract: A device for detecting a flow of respiration in a conduit includes a source of a gas jet interfaced to a side of the conduit. The source of the gas jet emits a jet of gas aimed across the conduit. A main port is interfaced to a distal side of the conduit for receiving the jet of gas and a pressure-detecting device is interfaced to the main port. In absence of the flow within the conduit, the gas jet enters the main port and the pressure-detecting device reports a first pressure. In presence of the flow within the conduit, the gas jet is deflected away from the main port by the flow and the pressure-detecting device reports a second pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure.

Abstract: An airway circuit has two modes of operation, dependent upon the presence or absence of a nebulizer in a nebulizer port. When the nebulizer if absent, a patient port is in fluid communications with a ventilation circuit port through a heat and humidity exchange element. When the nebulizer is inserted into the nebulizer port, the nebulizer port (and nebulizer), patient port, and ventilation circuit port are in fluid communications with each other and the heat and humidity exchange element is isolated, thereby protecting the heat and humidity exchange element from medicines emanating from the nebulizer. After the nebulizer is removed from the nebulizer port, the patient port is again placed in fluid communications with the ventilation circuit port through a heat and humidity exchange element.

Abstract: A bi-level positive airway pressure device includes a housing that has a patient port for connecting to an airway of a patient. Within the housing is a device that generates a positive airway pressure directed towards to patient port. Also within the housing is a system that detects exhalation (by a patient that is connected to the patient port) that enters into the patient port. Responsive to detecting exhalation, a blocking device occludes the device that generating positive airway pressure, thereby reducing or stopping the positive airway pressure. Upon the system detects abatement of exhalation, the blocking device is operated to no longer occlude the device for generating positive airway pressure, thereby providing positive airway pressure to the patient port.

Abstract: An application for a disposable support/resuscitation system includes a pressurized gas inlet connected to a pressure relief device. The pressure relief device has a first pressure relief valve that opens at a setable gas pressure and, optionally, has a second pressure relief valve that opens at a pre-determined maximum gas pressure. Changing the first pressure release valve from a low pressure range to a high pressure range requires activation of a pressure range actuation button. A manometer is connected to the pressure relief valve. A manually operated valve is connected to the manometer, and a patient interface port is connected with the manually operated valve. The manually operated valve selectively controls administration of the pressurized gas to the patient. The manometer, pressure relief device, and manually operated valve are made from non-ferromagnetic materials for proper operation in the vicinity of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging System.

Abstract: A breathing assistance device with improved pressure characteristics is disclosed. The device is capable of providing a high level of CPAP per unit of supplementary respirable gas consumed while maintaining low CPAP fluctuations throughout the breath cycle. The invention further optionally comprises a manometer for monitoring pressure and a safety pressure relief valve as additional safety measures against overpressure delivered to a patient. The device may be made to be completely disposable for one-time or single patient use.