Abstract: Ventilator apparatus provides a breathing circuit for supplying breathing gas to a patient. The breathing circuit includes a variable volume enclosure (3) provided within an enclosure chamber (2) and a gas supply path (21) into the enclosure chamber enabling the enclosure chamber to be pressurized by the supplied gas in order to vary the volume of the enclosure. An alternative path (9) for the gas supply is provided enabling the gas supplied, in predetermined circumstances, to enter directly into the breathing circuit via a valve (4). The gas supply path into the chamber is directed such that as a result of gas passing into the enclosure chamber the valve is biased more firmly to a closed condition.

Abstract: Ventilator apparatus provides a breathing circuit for supplying breathing gas to a patient. The breathing circuit includes a variable volume enclosure (3) provided within an enclosure chamber (2) and a gas supply path (21) into the enclosure chamber enabling the enclosure chamber to be pressurised by the supplied gas in order to vary the volume of the enclosure. An alternative path (9) for the gas supply is provided enabling the gas supplied, in predetermined circumstances, to enter directly into the breathing circuit via a valve (4). The gas supply path into the chamber is directed such that as a result of gas passing into the enclosure chamber the valve is biased more firmly to a closed condition.

Abstract: A control circuit controls power supply to a device which includes a power storage device and an electricity generating means for intermittently supplying power to said storage device. The control circuit includes a microcontroller arranged to operate in either a sleep mode or an active mode when the device is switched on. The microcontroller intermittently enters the active mode from the sleep mode in order to test the storage device voltage and provide an indication if the storage device voltage is determined to be less than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for removing microbubbles from blood incorporating a device through which the blood passes in a continuous linear flow; devices which can be used are a magnetic device and/or a Venturi device.

Abstract: A method and system for supplying gas to an external machine such as an anaesthetic machine in which gas is supplied to and exits from the machine (3) such that it forms part of a closed gas conduit loop (10) in which there is a variable volume reservoir (7) which adjusts and maintains pressure in the gas supply in the conduit (10) The variable volume reservoir (10) incorporates an excess pressure safety and an under pressure safety valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for maintaining a gas in a predetermined pressure range during a gas exchange process. The apparatus (20) includes a first conduit (21) having a gaspermeable membrane wall portion (25), at least one inlet port (26) for introducing a first gas into the apparatus, and a reservoir (28) arranged to contain the first gas. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for oxigenating an extracorporeal flow of blood.

Abstract: An inhalation apparatus, which supplies appropriate volumes of oxygen to a closed breathing system, to replace the oxygen used by a patient. A variable volume enclosure is situated within a container, which has an inlet connected to a ventilator for the supply of oxygen into the container. The interior of the variable volume enclosure is in communication with the breathing system, and the interior of the container is also in communication with the breathing system, via a one-way valve, which opens to replenish the oxygen in the breathing system, when the pressure in the breathing system is lower than that within the container.

Abstract: An introducer for use in the insertion of an airway comprises a bendable plastics channel which extends from the teeth and is curved to lie against the hard palate. The introducer protects delicate tissue and guides the airway during insertion. A flange and a finger grip projects from the airway where its protrudes from the mouth.