Abstract: A dry powder inhaler (2) comprises a housing (6, 8) including a mouthpiece (10) and a cover (11, 12) movably mounted to the housing (6, 8). The cover (11, 12) is movable between an open configuration of the inhaler (2) in which the mouthpiece (10) is exposed for use and a closed configuration of the inhaler (2) in which the mouthpiece (10) is enclosed. In the open position, the cover (11, 12) at least partly defines an inlet aperture (71) to an inhalation air flow path leading through the inhaler (2) and communicating with the mouthpiece (10). The inlet aperture (71) is positioned in such a way that makes it difficult for a user to obstruct it when using the inhaler (2). Preferably, in the closed position, the mouthpiece (10) is received into the inlet aperture (71) to protect the mouthpiece (10) when the inhaler (2) is stored.

Abstract: To provide an inhalation device which has improved use properties, particularly advanced moisture protection while in use, an inhalation device (1) for powder drugs is proposed comprising at least one storage chamber (13) for accommodating a plurality of drug powder doses and a dosing device which includes at least one dosing slider (15) which is movable approximately with a translatory movement in a dosing slider passage (16) at least from a filling position into an emptying position, wherein the inhalation device (1) further includes a device for inhalation-triggered automatic movement of the dosing slider (15) from its filling position into the emptying position and a return device for automatic movement of the dosing slider (15) back into the filling position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inhaler (1) comprising a capsule housing (2) for containing a medicament capsule (4). The inhaler includes an airflow path (6) through which air flows during an airflow event from at least one air inlet (8) to an outlet (10), the airflow path passing through the capsule housing. There is a first sensor (16), a processor (18) and a power source (20) for powering the processor. The capsule housing is defined by at least one wall (22) and configured such that when a capsule is located in the capsule housing and sufficient air flows along the airflow path through the capsule housing, the capsule moves within the capsule housing. The first sensor is arranged on the inhaler so that it is able to detect the movement of the capsule within the capsule housing and generate a first signal indicative of said movement.

Abstract: A method for logging ventilator data. The method includes logging the ventilator data, wherein the ventilator data is associated with a ventilator; and providing access to the logged ventilator data for use by a medical entity.

Abstract: A method for displaying ventilator data at a remote device. The method includes accessing ventilator data of a ventilator associated with a patient, by a remote device; and displaying the ventilator data, at the remote device.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for a ventilator-derived CPAP system that mimics the flow and/or pressure oscillations or fluctuations of the B-CPAP system creating a breath type referred to herein as a mimicked-bubble-CPAP (M-CPAP) mode. Further, the disclosure describes systems and methods for delivery of other breath types with flow and/or pressure oscillations or fluctuations that mimic the oscillation observed during ventilation with the B-CPAP system, referred to herein as adjusted breath types.

Abstract: A method for ventilator suction management. The method includes accessing data associated with a patient, wherein the patient is associated with a ventilator; analyzing the data; and determining that suction is needed on the patient based on the analyzed data.

Abstract: A method for modifying ventilator operation based on patient orientation. The method comprising monitoring patient orientation of a patient, wherein the patient is associated with a ventilator; and modifying ventilator operation of the ventilator based on the patient orientation.

Abstract: A monitoring system for multiple medical ventilators is provided. In one aspect, the monitoring system includes a memory that includes instructions, and a processor. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to receive data for a plurality of medical ventilators, and identify a configuration for each of the plurality of medical ventilators from the received data for the plurality of medical ventilators. The processor is also configured to execute the instructions to associate each patient with a respective one of the plurality of medical ventilators, determine an identification and status for each patient associated with one of the plurality of medical ventilators, and provide, for display, information indicative of the configuration of each of the plurality of medical ventilators and indicative of the identification and status of each patient associated with one of the plurality of medical ventilators. Methods and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and methods are provided for supplying gases to a user. The supply includes a sub-therapeutic mode and a pressure support mode for delivering therapy to a user. A flow diversion device or valve switches from a first mode corresponding with the sub-therapeutic mode of the system to a second mode corresponding with the pressure support mode of the system. In the first mode, the valve opens a larger flow path between the interior of the user interface and ambient air than in the second mode.

Abstract: Sleep apnea can be treated using positive airway pressure. Methods and systems for determining a level of airway obstruction allow beneficial adjustments to the level of expiratory positive airway pressure used to treat a subject.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a respiratory gas to a patient within the scope of the diagnosis and/or the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders includes an electronic signal processing device for generating a pressure control signal on the basis of indicative signals relating to the breathing activity and/or the physiological state of a person. The signal processing device comprises a signal inputting device and an extraction device for generating data field entries according to predefined signal analysis procedures. A pressure signal generator is provided for generating the pressure control signal, taking into account determined data field entries which are at least selected by the extraction device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of actuating a manual ventilator system bag to cause patient ventilation. The apparatus, system and method include a pressure exerter proximate to the manual ventilator system bag; and an actuator suitable for remote actuation of said pressure exerter. In embodiments, actuation of the actuator remotely causes the pressure exerter to make contact with and exert pressure against the manual ventilator system bag to thereby execute ventilation of the patient associated with an inlet hose/tube.

Abstract: A nasal mask includes a main body having an annular inner rim and an annular outer rim, two connection members respectively connected to two opposite sides of the main body, and two engaging holes each formed in proximity to a junction between one connect ion member and the main body. The inner rim is formed with an annular shoulder and a seal ring that projects from the shoulder. A head strap unit has two opposite ends connected to the connect ion members. A nose unit includes a main plate having a peripheral edge abutting against the shoulder and the seal ring, two nasal prong members connected to the main plate, and two engaging plates to engage the engaging holes. An air supply unit is connected to the outer rim.

Abstract: A system of the invention is a housing-liner apparatus complex and/or eye shield comprising an air leak preventing system is provided for use with continuous positive airway pressure devices, e.g. CPAP mask. The system includes a housing-liner and/or an eye shield reversibly or irreversibly attached to a mask, and adjustable straps extending from the housing-liner and/or eye shield to attach onto a mask to create an improved seal between the mask and the user. Beneficially, the system muffles noise associated with air leakage, and reduces other side effects with CPAP masks, e.g. slippage of the lower part of the mask into the user's mouth and/or puffing out of cheeks during sleep. Furthermore, the system may include a chin support to reduce mouth opening of the user during sleep. Overall, the system creates greater user comfort by maintaining the interface between the mask and user's face during sleep.

Abstract: A system is structured to provide a regimen of respiratory therapy to a patient having an airway. The system includes a gas flow generator structured to generate a flow of breathing gas, a patient interface device structured to communicate the flow of breathing gas to the airway of the patient, and a patient circuit structured to couple the gas flow generator to the patient interface device. The patient interface device includes headgear, a cushion structured to communicate the flow of breathing gas to the airway of the patient, and a fabric pouch holding the cushion. The fabric pouch is supported by or coupled to the headgear.

Abstract: A patient interface device is provided that includes a patient sealing assembly, such as a mask having a rigid shell and a cushion coupled to the rigid shell, and a forehead support movably coupled to the patient sealing assembly. The forehead support is moved by an wedge-type adjustment mechanism such that linear translation of the wedge moves the forehead support among the plurality of positions and fixes the forehead support in a desired position among the plurality of positions.

Abstract: A patient interface device (25) includes a patient sealing assembly (35) including a cushion (40) and a frame member (45) coupled thereto, and an adjustable forehead support assembly (100). The adjustable forehead support assembly includes an adjustment mechanism (102) coupled to a forehead cushion (104), the adjustment mechanism including a forehead cushion support member (108) having a base portion (114) coupled to the forehead cushion, a projecting member (116) extending from the base portion, a rotatable knob member (110) having a surface (128) having a helical groove (130) provided therein, and a post (134) coupled to one of the frame member and the projecting member. The post is received within the helical groove, and rotation of the knob member causes a position of the post within the helical grove to change thereby causing relative movement between the projecting member and the frame member and movement of the frame member and the cushion relative to the forehead cushion.

Abstract: A headgear for a respiratory mask of a ventilator or CPAP device is provided. The headgear includes a strap portion formed of a substantially inextensible material. The strap portion has formed on one end thereof a connecting structure configured to connect to a mask of the ventilator or CPAP device. One advantage is that the mask will not or at least will be less inclined to lift off the face as mask pressure is increased.

Abstract: A vent assembly for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment includes a porous disk portion that is attached to a biasing member such that the disk portion is maintained in a substantially sealed position against a main vent to minimize airflow through at least one side vent of the vent assembly. Debris build-up on the disk portion can cause the biasing member to deflect to provide an additional path for airflow through the at least one side vent. In another embodiment, the vent assembly can also include an anti-asphyxia feature to provide an airflow path from the environment to the user. An oxygen diverter valve may be disposed between the breathing apparatus flow generator and an oxygen injection port.

Abstract: The cheek path airway fits a path between a user's lips and through the user's cheek pouch and rear-jaw gap, avoiding the user's bite. It provides supplemental air to a user's rear-mouth cavity independently of a user's nasal airways while a user's lips remain closed. The airway can be used in combination with mandibular jaw-control and tongue-control devices whereby the combination mitigates breathing restrictions in a user's nasal and throat airways. The cheek path airway can be combined with and stabilized by a cheek pocket anchor, formed of a resilient filament, that fits within a user's cheek pouch.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing tracheal aspiration as described where a cuff assembly having an inflatable member with an inflation tube fluidly coupled may be placed over a proximal end of an endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask and inserted into the patient trachea with the endotracheal tube or separately after the endotracheal tube has already been positioned. In either case, the inflatable member may be positioned distal (or inferior) to the vocal cords and proximal to the endotracheal balloon via a delivery instrument which automatically positions the balloon in proximity to the vocal cords.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices, methods, and kits. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved endotracheal tubes or patient ventilation tubes which prevent the leakage of proximal secretions to the distal airways.

Abstract: An airway device (10) is provided which includes a distal part (12) and a proximal part (20) in sealed communication. The distal part (12) has a distal opening (14) for attachment to a breathing apparatus, in sealed communication with a hollow stem (16). The proximal part comprises a hollow sealing chamber (20) with a proximal opening (22), said sealing chamber (20) having means for sealing within and against the mucosal walls of a body cavity with a corresponding proximal opening, for communicating with the lungs. The sealing means of the sealing chamber (20) includes: a longitudinal fold (32) that allows for adaptation to varying cross-sectional dimensions of said body cavity; and said sealing chamber (20) being made of an elastomeric substance and having walls (26,30) that are thicker and relatively less flexible, and walls (24,25) that are thinner and relatively more flexible, said thicker walls (26,30) forming a framework that supports said thinner walls (24,25).

Abstract: The invention provides an assistive device specially designed for use in patient trachea care after a tracheotomy surgery providing an easier and more effective means of managing secretions for both a caregiver and a patient. The Trach Secretion Catcher is a wearable pouch that catches excess mucous and seeping liquids from a patient's tracheotomy open area, facilitating quick and easy maintenance while ensuring patient comfort in the process.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical breathing tubes comprising a tubular body, the body defining a lumen extending between open terminal ends of the body and an internal form enclosed within the lumen and supportive of the tubular body. The internal form may be of a coated encapsulated internal form, the coating securing the internal form to the tubular body. The internal form may also or separately provide for a series of alternative crests and troughs (e.g. corrugations) of the tubular body. Patient interfaces (such as masks or nasal cannula) can be connected to such tubing. A system for securing patient interfaces in an operational position may also be utilised.

Abstract: A device for providing access through a body wall of a patient to a target site includes a hollow tube having a first large diameter segment and a second small diameter segment. A first distally tapered portion joins the first segment and the second segment, and a second distally tapered portion is distal of the second segment. A first lumen extends through the tube, and a second lumen extends from a proximal portion of the tube to the second segment. A needle received in the first lumen is deployable for piercing the body wall. A port is provided along the second segment in communication with the second lumen, and a balloon is disposed along the second segment at the port. The balloon is inflatable to a diameter at least as large as the first segment diameter for dilating an opening in the body wall.

Abstract: This application relates to a method of covering a pessary device for relief of female incontinence with an overwrap. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of overwrapping the pessary device.

Abstract: This application relates to a pessary device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of attaching a withdrawal member to a pessary device.

Abstract: Systems and methods detect electrical activity in the human brain in the form of the generated magnetic fields and map the magnetic field strength to the surface of the cerebral cortex. By mapping the measured magnetic fields to the sulcal-defined gyrus of the cerebral cortex rather than to its three-dimensional volume, the data complexity and the resulting image are dramatically reduced. The device allows an inventory of brain function, including, but not limited to, vision, sound, sensory, and cognition, with the sensors placed over the corresponding region or regions of interest of the brain.

Abstract: Methods of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient. A method includes the steps of wrapping a bioerodable material at least partway around an axis to create a wound bioerodable implant, and coupling two points on the bioerodable material to each other. The invention also provides systems for maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient that may be used with the methods.

Abstract: This invention provides an adhesive strip with non-adhesive band for preventing or reducing opening of a user's mouth.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for reducing snoring is provided. The mouthpiece includes an upper guard configured to fit over the upper teeth of a user, a lower guard configured to fit over the lower teeth of the user, a spacer assembly provided between the upper guard or the lower guard to provide an air passage at a middle section of the mouthpiece, a first adjustable assembly attached to the left side of the upper guard and the left side of the lower guard, and a second adjustable assembly attached to the right side of the upper guard and the right side of the lower guard. The first adjustable assembly and the second adjustable assembly are operable to move the lower guard relative to the upper guard.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a smokeless tobacco system include one or more silicone smokeless tobacco products configured to generally retain their shape during processing, shipping, and consumer handling. In particular embodiments, each silicone smokeless tobacco product can comprise a moist smokeless tobacco in combination with a silicone binder such that the final product has tobacco exposed along an exterior surface and is configured to have material properties providing improved handling, an improved mouth feel, and a satisfying flavor profile.

Abstract: A smoking article provides one or more sheets of material that can be rolled and packaged, at least one sheet including cellulose. In one embodiment, cellulose and tobacco sheet material are separately rolled layers that can optionally be wrapped around a form casing (or pre-rolled inside) and then packaged. In another embodiment, the sheet is a laminated sheet of tobacco and cellulose layers that can be optionally wrapped around (or pre-rolled inside) a form casing. These sheets can be filled with custom tobacco to make one or more new cigars for an end user. In another embodiment, a complete cigar filled with tobacco material can be disassembled by an end user to produce tobacco and cellulose sheets, enabling the end user to form two new cigars using his or her own custom tobacco.

Abstract: A method and a system for preparing a tobacco extract for use in an electronic smoking device are provided. A tobacco extract and an electronic smoking device are also provided. The method includes grinding tobacco into granulated particles, and heating purified water. The method further includes injecting the heated purified water through the granulated particles of the tobacco for a predetermined period of time to produce an aqueous solution, and adding purified water to the aqueous solution. Further, the method includes heating the aqueous solution, and injecting the heated aqueous solution through ground tobacco for the predetermined period of time to produce a tobacco extract for use in the electronic smoking device.

Abstract: A method and a system for preparing a tobacco extract for use in an electronic smoking device are provided. A tobacco extract and an electronic smoking device are also provided. The method includes grinding tobacco into granulated particles, and heating purified water. The method further includes injecting the heated purified water through the granulated particles of the tobacco for a predetermined period of time to produce an aqueous solution, and adding purified water to the aqueous solution. Further, the method includes heating the aqueous solution, and injecting the heated aqueous solution through ground tobacco for the predetermined period of time to produce a tobacco extract for use in the electronic smoking device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic smoking article that provides for improved aerosol delivery. Particularly, the article provides for separate delivery of two or more components of an aerosol precursor composition to one or more heaters so as to control the rate of delivery or the rate of heating of the separate components of the aerosol precursor composition.

Abstract: A thimble-shaped tool and a textured surface designed to be used as a nail file. It uses the thumb of one hand to file the nails of the fingers on the same hand. The thimble-shaped tool may be designed to fit over a portion of a thumb or a portion of a finger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nail polish, especially a light-hardening nail polish, for application to a nail, for example a finger nail, toe nail or the like, and also to a method of nail polishing using the nail polish according to the invention. The nail polish according to the invention allows nail polishing in simple manner and provides polish layers which are especially durable.

Abstract: Embodiments herein may relate to a hair track for covering at least a portion of a wearer's head or other body portions. The hair track may include a base formed from a lace or other material. The base may include a top side portion for receiving hair strands, both natural and synthetic, and a bottom side portion, which may be secured to a wearer's head. The hair strands may he secured to the base via one or more fasteners. A transparent or transparent-like quality of the lace material, as well as other features, may contribute to an authentic appearance of the hair track, even when a wearer's naturally attached hair is pulled away from or separated from the base of the hair track.

Abstract: A method of achieving improved hair styling hold. The method includes applying an aerosol composition to the hair with an apparatus at a spray rate from about 0.4 g/sec to about 0.8 g/sec, wherein the aerosol composition comprises: (a) from about 5% to about 12% particulate tapioca starch; (b) from about 30% to about 50% alcohol; (c) from about 0.5% to about 1% redispersing agent; (d) from about 40% to about 60% propellant; and (e) less than about 1% nonvolatile oil; and depositing from about 0.15 g to about 0.35 g of nonvolatile material from the aerosol composition to the hair when the apparatus is sprayed for about 5 sec from about a 15 cm distance.

Abstract: A method of achieving improved hair feel. The method includes applying an aerosol composition to the hair with an apparatus at a spray rate from about 0.4 g/sec to about 0.8 g/sec, wherein the aerosol composition comprises: (a) from about 5% to about 12% particulate tapioca starch; (b) from about 30% to about 50% alcohol; (c) from about 0.1% to about 0.3% redispersing agent; (d) from about 40% to about 60% propellant; and (e) less than about 1% nonvolatile oil; and depositing from about 0.15 g to about 0.35 g of nonvolatile material from the aerosol composition to the hair when the apparatus is sprayed for about 5 sec from about a 15 cm distance.

Abstract: A hair retention device for forming a bun or curls in a person's hair is provided that is comprised of a cylindrical roll made of a mesh material. The cylindrical roll contains one or more strips of a material that are placed around the circumference of the roll and that grip a person's hair. The strips of material can be made of any material that can grip a person's hair and hold in place without causing serious discomfort to the user. Examples of the material include Velcro plastic, rubber, metal, silicone and the like. The ends of the cylindrical roll contain an attachment device that allows the ends of the cylindrical roll to attach together to form a circle or ring-like structure. The hair retention device can also include an elastic cord that can run internally in the hair retention device and the length of the cylindrical roll. The elastic cord can be used to synch the ring-like structure to a desired tightness, thus creating a bun with a desired circumference.

Abstract: A hair colorant composition comprises a 2,6-dihydroxyethylaminotoluene coupler in combination with a 2-methoxymethyl-1,4-diaminobenzene developer. A kit for coloring hair comprises the hair colorant composition. A method of treating hair comprises applying the hair colorant composition to hair.

Abstract: A tooth flossing device may comprise a sleeve and a dental floss retainer. The sleeve may be releasably received over the finger of a user. The retainer may assist in securing a length of dental floss to the sleeve such that the sleeve, when received over the finger of a user, assists in the insertion of the dental floss between the teeth of the user or another. The retainer may comprise a pair of leg members that have slots dimensioned such that receipt of dental floss into the slots causes a frictional engagement between the slots and the dental floss to aid in releasably securing the dental floss between the leg members. The leg members and the slots may be arranged such that when dental floss is secured between the leg members the dental floss is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve.

Abstract: A flossing system including a cradle and a housing. The flossing system includes an array of floss cartridges having a length of floss. The array of floss cartridges include a pair of coupling members each coupled to opposite ends of the length of floss. Each floss cartridge includes a coupling structure. The flossing system includes a pair of floss handles disposed on the cradle and selectably coupleable to the coupling members. The pair of floss handles include a cylindrical body. The pair of floss handles include a release mechanism configured to selectably disengage the floss handle from the coupling member. The release mechanism includes an actuation member disposed through a back end of the cylindrical body of each of the pair of floss handles. The pair of floss handles each include a top aperture configured to receive the coupling structure of the pair of coupling members.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a system and method for cleaning and sanitizing mattresses infested with insects and bacteria. Specifically, mattresses infested with bed bugs and/or dust mites may be cleaned and sanitized through a series of steps beginning with UV irradiation of the mattress. Next, the mattresses are subject to dry steam of a temperature of approximately 356° F. The mattress is then vacuumed to remove debris and waste. Next the mattress is heated with infrared heaters which produce a temperature of up to 265° F. Finally, the mattress is again vacuumed to remove any remaining debris. The system is mounted on an enclosed trailer so that the system may be transported to a home, hospital, hotel or dormitory to clean and sanitize the mattresses.

Abstract: A cleaning system and method for cleaning substrates having at least one semiconductor material thereon, which includes a transporting conveyor, an acid bath module and a hanging conveyor for suspending acid resistant blocks in the spaces between substrates as they are transported through the cleaning system. The acid resistant blocks shield the semiconductor materials from acid contact while a lower portion of the substrate is submerged in the acid cleaning solution.

Abstract: The invention discloses a process for planarization of recessed structures filled with tin or a tin alloy which avoids the formation of dimples. Such structures can serve as solder deposits for stable and reliable solder joints in electronic devices.