Abstract: A humidifier for use with a pressure support system. The humidifier includes a body having an inlet, a fluid holding chamber, and an outlet. The inlet is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. The outlet is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. A back-flow preventing valve is positioned upstream of the fluid chamber. The back-flow preventing valve is movable between an open position, in which the inlet is unblocked, and a closed position in which the inlet is blocked. In the closed position, the back-flow preventing valve prevents fluid, fluid vapor, or both from entering the pressure support via the inlet to the humidifier.

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a pressure support system. The humidifier includes a body having an inlet, a fluid holding chamber, and an outlet. The inlet is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. The outlet is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. A back-flow preventing valve is positioned upstream of the fluid chamber. The back-flow preventing valve is movable between an open position, in which the inlet is unblocked, and a closed position in which the inlet is blocked. In the closed position, the back-flow preventing valve prevents fluid, fluid vapor, or both from entering the pressure support via the inlet to the humidifier.

Abstract: A needleless injector generally includes a barrel having a proximal and a distal end and a bore therethrough along with an injection head disposed at the barrel distal end in fluid communication with the bore; an energy source is disposed at the barrel proximal end and a bolt may be disposed in said bore for reciprocating movement therein, from a first position to a second position for drawing medicament into the bore, the bolt being fitted in the bore in order to force medicament through the injection head upon movement of the bolt from the second to the first position. A mechanism is provided for activating the energy source in order to operate the bolt.

Abstract: A closed plastic container has a plastic elongated sleeve which has a hollow interior. A line of embrittlement is inscribed by a laser within the thickness of the sleeve wall to form a breaking plane seam for opening the container. The container is opened by squeezing or twisting the container at the scribed line seam. The closed container may have an applicator material inside or outside of the container. A substance contained within the container is dispensed and applied when the container is opened at the inscribed plastic embrittlement line. The preferred plastic container material is poly(ethylene terephthalate).

Abstract: A compliance monitoring system and method in which a modular compliance monitor is selectively disposed in-line in a patient circuit of a pressure support system. The monitor includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, each of which is selectively connectable to the patient circuit so that the flow of gas in the patient circuit also passes through a passage is provided through the housing. A sensor operatively coupled to the passage detects a parameter indicative of patient breathing. A processor disposed in the housing and receives the output of the sensor and determines, from the output of the sensor, whether the patient is breathing into the patient circuit, and outputs compliance data based on this determination.