Abstract: A modular environment modification device receives different cores for performing different functions such as dispensing decontaminant agents. These cores are contained within a housing that can communicate with other like devices and with remote devices such as iOS or Android powered smart devices. Communication between multiple like devices provides the ability to accommodate spaces of varying size. Sensors within each device monitor the environment, sense temperature and pressure, the presence of certain pathogens, and sound. Sensed information is used by the device to make decisions, like suspension of the decontamination process. Sensed information is sent to smart devices which perform various interfacing or data collection functions.

Abstract: A device for alleviating obstructive sleep apnea includes: a base fixed to a user's head and having a passage; a suction member having a channel passing through the passage to enter the user's oral cavity and move within the passage, with the channel connected to a tongue fixing portion disposed at the tip of the user's tongue, wherein the suction member has a stopping portion disposed outside the oral cavity to limit forward displacement of the tongue fixing portion; a resilient element for providing the tongue fixing portion with an elastic force required to approach the base and being weaker than a suction force between the suction member and the tongue and weaker than a pulling force generated by the tongue in tongue motion; and a negative pressure source communicating with the channel to provide negative pressure to the tongue in contact with the tongue fixing portion.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein can advantageously allow users to discretely measure their exhaled breath in an easy, cost-effective and non-invasive manner. A handheld breath sensing system may be provided with a main housing, a first mouthpiece, a lid, a sampling chamber, a sensor and a microprocessor. The first mouthpiece may be configured to allow a user to exhale into the mouthpiece. The lid may be movable between an open position and a closed position. The sampling chamber may be in fluid communication with the first mouthpiece. The sensor may be in fluid communication with the sampling chamber and configured to measure at least one property of a user's breath. The microprocessor may be configured to process electronic signals from the sensor such that at least one volatile organic compound in the user's breath can be quantified and a resulting biomarker measurement provided to the user in near real-time.

Abstract: An anti-explosion gas generator for health use is provided. The anti-explosion gas generator for health use includes an electrolysis device for electrolyzing water to produce a gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. The gas generator for health use further includes a gas mixing system coupled to the electrolysis device for receiving the gas mixture. The gas mixing system mixes the gas mixture with water vapor, an atomized medicine, a volatile essential oil or a combination thereof to produce a health gas. The health gas is provided for being inhaled by a user.

Abstract: An integrated manifold system combines in a single, compact, unitary assembly a one-piece, machined manifold for connecting air supply cylinders with a first stage regulator and recharge port. The manifold body has at least one bottle port configured to removably receive a bottle of pressurized air, a first stage regulator chamber, a quick disconnect fitting port, an air channel in fluid communication with the at least one bottle port and the first stage regulator chamber, and an outlet channel in fluid communication with the first stage regulator chamber.

Abstract: A conduit holding device may include a mounting mechanism having a fixed plate, and optionally, a movable plate that may be movable towards and away from the fixed plate. A rail may be coupled to the mounting mechanism, the rail having a first end, a second end, an elongated front side, and an opposing elongated back side. A platform may be movably coupled to the rail so that the platform may be repositionable between the first second ends. The platform may have one or more front conveyances and back conveyances. The platform may be movably coupled to the rail with a front conveyance in contact with the front side of the rail and with a back conveyance in contact with the back side of the rail. A clamp may be coupled to the platform, and the clamp may be configured to arrest a first portion of a conduit to the platform.

Abstract: A face mask system for detecting gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The face mask system includes a protective mask, at least one communication device, a gas detection device and an external sensor. The gas detection device includes a power supply unit, an inductive coil loop, an internal microcontroller, a wireless communication chip and an internal sensor. The internal sensor is configured to detect and measure a plurality of inside mask VOC readings. The external sensor is configured to detect and measure a plurality of outside mask VOC readings. The external sensor compares an average inside VOC value with an average outside VOC value to provide unique and accurate information of the environment inside the protective mask thereby protecting the user from hazardous situations.

Abstract: A plurality of flow rate values associated with pressurized air directed to an airway of a user of a respiratory therapy system is received. A plurality of pressure values associated with the pressurized air directed to the airway of the user is received. A first time associated with a first breath of the user and a second time associated with a second breath of the user are identified. The plurality of flow rate values is filtered based at least in part on the identified first time and the identified second time. The filtering produces a subset of the plurality of flow rate values. An intentional leak characteristic curve for the respiratory therapy system is determined using at least two of the subset of the plurality of flow rate values and the corresponding pressure values for the at least two of the subset of the plurality of flow rate values.

Abstract: A flow modifying apparatus may include a plurality of struts coupled together to form a radially expandable frame having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal and distal ends may be radially expandable into expanded proximal and distal ends. A reduced diameter portion of the expandable frame may be disposed between the expanded proximal and distal ends and the reduced diameter portion may comprise a fluid flow through passage. A cover may be disposed over at least a portion of the radially expandable frame. The reduced diameter portion modifies fluid flow therethrough immediately upon implantation thereof and forms a pressure gradient between the inflow end and the reduced diameter portion.

Abstract: A system for automated adjustment of a pressure set by a ventilation device, in particular a positive and-expiratory pressure and/or a maximum airway pressure, the system comprising a pressure detection arrangement for detecting a transpulmonary pressure at the end of an expiration phase and/or for detecting a transpulmonary pressure at the end of an inspiration phase, and a device for automated adjustment of the pressure set by the ventilation device on the basis of the transpulmonary pressure detected at the end of the expiration phase and/or the transpulmonary pressure detected at the end of the inspiration phase.

Abstract: A valved nasal cannula adapted to provide a positive pressure in the airway using the breathing of the intended user as a source of positive pressure without the need for an external source of energy and/or compressed air. The cannula is designed so as to be relatively easily insertable and retractable into and from the nasal vestibule portion of the nose of the intended user without requiring manual dexterity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a barrier includes two side panels extending on parallel planes and spaced laterally apart. Each side panel including a back end, a front edge opposed to the back end, a bottom edge, and an engagement feature on the bottom edge of each side panel. A back panel connects the side panels at the back ends, and a shield extends from an upper end of the back panel at an oblique angle in an upward and forward direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a wound treatment apparatus employing a wound dressing for negative pressure wound therapy and methods of using the same. Some embodiments are directed to improved wound dressing to be applied to a wound site, for example a wound dressing including a three-dimensional filter element, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A patient interface for supplying a flow of breathable gas to the airways of a patient may comprise a heat and moisture exchanger (HME). The HME may be positioned in a flow path of the flow of breathable gas. The HME may absorb heat and moisture from gas exhaled by the patient and the incoming flow of breathable gas to be supplied to the patient's airways may be heated and moisturized by the heat and moisture held in the HME.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting breathing in a subject are described. In one embodiment, a device includes a splint that can be used to apply negative distending pressure, i.e., outward pull, to one or both of the chest walls and/or the abdomen of a subject. The splint may include an air bladder that can be attached to the skin of the subject's chest and/or abdomen. When the air bladder is inflated, negative distending pressure is applied to the subject's chest and/or abdomen, thereby assisting or promoting respiration. The inflated air bladder may also apply a compressive force on the chest to facilitate expiration, and the removal of secretions in the airways.

Abstract: A patient interface for supplying a flow of breathable gas to the airways of a patient may comprise a heat and moisture exchanger (HME). The HME may be positioned in a flow path of the flow of breathable gas. The HME may absorb heat and moisture from gas exhaled by the patient and the incoming flow of breathable gas to be supplied to the patient's airways may be heated and moisturized by the heat and moisture held in the HME.

Abstract: Quantitative colorimetric carbon dioxide detection and measurement systems are disclosed. The systems can include a gas conduit, a colorimetric indicator adapted to exhibit a color change in response to exposure to carbon dioxide gas, a temperature controller operatively coupled to the colorimetric indicator and configured to control the temperature of the colorimetric indicator, an electro-optical sensor assembly including a light source or sources adapted to transmit light to the colorimetric indicator, and a photodiode or photodiodes configured to detect light reflected from the colorimetric indicator and to generate a measurement signal, and a processor in communication with the electro-optical sensor assembly. The processor can be configured to receive the measurement signal generated by the electro-optical sensor assembly and to compute a concentration of carbon dioxide based on the measurement signal.

Abstract: A dynamic gas-flow wound dressing assembly and method for enhancing the effect of generated gas flow across a wound creates spacing between a medical dressing cover and the wound to enhance ventilation. The assembly provides a medical dressing cover that covers a wound. The medical dressing couples to a gas flow framing structure having a gas inlet and enclosed gas outlets. A high rate gas flow is introduced through gas flow framing structure. The gas discharges to cross the wound. A scaffolding partition member serves as a resilient spacer between the gas flow framing structure and wound, enhancing ventilation by forces on the skin and directing gas flow. The scaffolding includes intake ports and outlet ports in fluid communication with inlets and outlets of gas flow framing structure. The scaffolding carries generated gas flow from the gas flow framing structure to wound, covering a larger gas flow volume across wound.

Abstract: Provided is a blister pack for a dry powder inhaler configured to deliver a first powder medicament and a second powder medicament different from the first powder medicament. The first and second powder medicaments are contained within blister pockets defined in a strip. A series of blister pockets is defined in the strip, which series extends linearly along the length of the strip. The first and second powder medicaments are contained in blister pockets of the series. Alternatively or additionally, each of the blister pockets is elongated such as to have a largest dimension parallel with the length of the strip. These measures, either individually or in combination, enable minimizing of the width of the strip in spite of the strip accommodating both the first and second powder medicaments.

Abstract: A medical gauze and gas flow assembly and method of applying a medical gauze with gas flow over a wound, provides a medical dressing cover that couples to a gas flow framing structure. The gas flow framing structure provides a flow of gas over a wound. A medical grade gauze material adheres to the lower surface of the medical dressing cover, so as to create spacing between the medical grade gauze material and the wound treatment area. The gas flow is directed between the medical grade gauze material and the wound treatment area. The gas flow vents to ambient though the gas permeable medical dressing cover. When degraded, the assembly is replaced or only the medical dressing cover and medical grade gauze material is replaced. The synergistic combination of a medical grade gauze material that is a gas permeable, with a gas flow structure that discharges gas over the wound enhances healing the wound.

Abstract: A device and method for creating and/or maintain an obstruction free upper airway passage. The device configured to fit under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device including structural elements designed to optimize comfort, compliance and seal achieved through minimizing the pressure variation along the contact surface of the cushion element. The structural elements of the cushion may include a fluidly sealed chamber that may vary in thickness and width, a compressible elastic foam contained within the fluidly sealed chamber a ribbon layer backing the elastic foam contained within the fluidly sealed chamber and an adhesive layer disposed on the outer surface of the fluidly sealed chamber of the therapy device designed to contact the skin of the subject.

Abstract: An oral device for treating obstructive sleep apnea is generally described. In an embodiment, the oral device includes an anchoring member, a lip sealing member and an air transmission member configured to receive and transmit air to a user. The air transmission member may divide and distribute the air to multiple locations within the user's oral cavity. The anchoring member is configured to receive a dentition of the user. According to some embodiments, the lip sealing member may include an inner lip seal and an outer lip seal. The inner and outer lip seals are customized to the user's lips and may be slidably received on the air transmission member. Thus, the lip sealing member is configured to provide a substantially airtight seal for the user's lips, thereby limiting and/or inhibiting air exchange between the user's lips.

Abstract: Respiratory therapy apparatus includes an oscillating expiratory therapy device and pressure and flow sensors in the patient inlet connected to supply signals to a processor. The processor includes artificial intelligence software to correlate the output signals with prescribed values and control a feedback device that prompts the patient accordingly to adjust use of the device as necessary. The feedback device may be of a visual, audible or tangible kind. The processor may also automatically adjust a setting dial of the therapy device by means of an actuator.

Abstract: A positive pressure airway device for providing resistance in an air pathway for a patient exhaling. The device includes a central tube region, a inspiratory air passageway for passing air into the central tube region when a patient breathing through the device inhales, and an expiratory air passageway for passing air out of the central tube region when a patient breathing through the device exhales, A valve in the expiratory air passageway allows air to flow out only when a patient using the device exhales with an expiratory air pressure greater than a selected pressure, and includes a stopper and a coil spring with an interior portion that is free from any structure that would inhibit the “side-to-side” movement of the spring within the housing. The stopper has a cone-shaped air-stopping surface providing a valve angle that is different from the valve-seat angle so that either laminar or oscillating flow may be obtained.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an improved method of determining a water out condition in a humidified gases supply apparatus. The method includes a two-step process including a primary determination of a water out condition and a secondary determination of a water out condition. This primary determination is made during observation of the normal operation of the apparatus. During the secondary determination the method takes temporary control over the humidifying part of the apparatus. The secondary determination confirms or contradicts the primary determination.

Abstract: A system and method for recording video healthcare information of an individual under care without deleting data, includes a device for capturing data and configured to transmit a signal identifying the device, a memory for storing rules, a buffer, a database; and a processor. The processor receives the device identification signal and said data, and retrieves the rules from the memory. Based on the rules, the processor determines, whether the data is to be stored in the database or the buffer. Based on the content of the data, the processor determines the device location, the data recordation time and date, whether the individual under care is identified, and the individual's activity, and based on the rules and the location, time and date, individual identification, and activity, whether the data is proof of service delivery data to be stored in the database or eliminated from the buffer.

Abstract: A respiration sensor is described of a respiration implant system for an implanted patient with impaired breathing. A sensor body is made of electrically insulating material and is configured to fit between two adjacent ribs and between the pectoralis muscle and the parasternal muscle of the implanted patient, with the bottom surface adjacent to an superficial surface of the parasternal muscle and the top surface adjacent to a profound surface of the pectoralis muscle. At least one parasternal sensor electrode is located on the bottom surface of the sensor body and is configured to cooperate with the electrically insulating material of the sensor body to sense a parasternal electromyography (EMG) signal representing electrical activity of the adjacent parasternal muscle with minimal influence by electrical activity of the nearby pectoralis muscle.

Abstract: Various improvements are provided to breathing training, monitoring and/or assistance devices. A portable device is provided which optionally includes a gas canister, a feedback system for implementing pressure control, and a visual output for indicating adherence to a breathing exercise to the user. The pressure control may provide regulation of different pressures for inhalation and exhalation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing heat exchange in the lungs of the mammal during partial liquid ventilation are provided. The apparatus and method can control delivery and removal of partial liquid ventilation to the lungs of a mammal by responding to pressure change in the lungs to minimize danger of causing barotrauma to the patient.

Abstract: A mask seal test method, device, and system of using the same are described herein. One method for testing a mask seal can include blocking a respirator cartridge to create pressure within a mask, wherein the mask includes a pressure sensor, measuring pressure values within the mask using the pressure sensor, and notifying a user in response to an increased pressure decay value among the pressure values received by the mask identification reader.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving airflow distribution in treatment of respiratory conditions are disclosed. According to various embodiments, blocking devices may be used to redirect air away from healthy portions of the lung to diseased portions so that inhaled medication may be more effectively delivered to the patient.

Abstract: Nasal dilators with improved comfort are formed as a laminate of layers: a resilient layer including a plurality of resilient members; and an engagement layer including one or both of a base layer and a cover layer. A portion of the dilator occupied by all of the resilient members plus the gap(s) between the resilient members has a total area, and the proportion of that area that is occupied or covered by the resilient members does not exceed 57%. Preferably, the proportion is lower than about 50%, and it may be as low as 30% in some embodiments.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for snore disrupting and prevention are disclosed. One apparatus includes: an inflatable bladder assembly configured to inflate and deflate to move a head of a user; a conduit connected to the bladder assembly and configured to extend at a distance from the bladder assembly; an air inflator connected to the conduit for inflating the bladder assembly through the conduit, the air inflator being at the distance from the bladder assembly when in use to minimize noise, radiation or discomfort for the user a controller in communication with the air inflator to actuate the air inflator to inflate the bladder assembly; and an audio processor in communication with the controller, the audio processor being configured to detect sound waves and transmit control commands to the controller to trigger cyclical actuation of the air inflator upon a trigger event.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for monitoring administration of nitric oxide (NO) to ex vivo fluids. Examples of such fluids include blood in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits or perfusion fluids used for preserving ex vivo organs prior to transplanting in a recipient. The systems and methods described herein provide for administering nitric oxide to the fluid, monitoring nitric oxide or a nitric oxide marker in the fluid, and adjusting the nitric oxide administration.

Abstract: A method for calculating the remaining usage time of a gas cylinder equipped with a pressure reducer, the method comprising the following steps: (a) measuring the pressure of the gas in the cylin-der; (b) calculating the variation of pressure of the gas in the cylinder over time while gas is out-putted; (c) calculating a remaining usage time Tr based on the measured pressure in the cylinder and the calculated variation of pressure. Step (c) takes into account characteristics of the pressure reducer relative to variations of its nominal flow rate along the decrease of its inlet pressure while emptying the cylinder.

Abstract: A method of controlling a flow rate of gases supplied to a patient by a respiratory assistance device includes controlling the supply gases flow rate so as to deliver gases to the patient according to a predetermined gases pressure/flow rate profile for at least a portion of the breathing cycle. A profile may be achieved that provides the patient with a particular benefit or therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are biofeedback methods and devices suitable for providing biofeedback useful for helping a user control an own breathing, for example, to help in inducing deep breathing, and such biofeedback devices further comprising a dispenser for dispensing an inhalable substance.

Abstract: A ventilation tube unit (2), for connection to a medical ventilator, includes an outer tube (4) with a tubular connection device (18) with a jacket-side branch (24, 28), for connecting a medical unit such as a water trap, arranged between a first outer tube part (20) and a second outer tube part (22). An inner line (6) is arranged within and extends with the outer tube (4) between two port connectors (8). Each outer tube part (20, 22) includes a variable-length outer tube part that can be varied between a compressed state and an expanded state. The connection device (18) is displaceable in the longitudinal direction (A) relative to the inner line (6) by a compression of one outer tube part (20) and a corresponding expansion of the other outer tube part (22). A ventilation system with at least one such ventilation tube unit is also provided.

Abstract: A mask is provided that includes a shell with an aperture. A fan assembly is positioned in the aperture and secured to the shell. The exhaust fan functions to dispel contaminants from the surface of the mask. A method of using the mask includes fitting the mask to the face and covering the nose and mouth and not the eyes. The mask is secured to the head. The fan is then activated to dispel contaminants from the surface of the mask.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a diving mask, including: a mask having a breath cavity corresponding to a mouth and a nose of a user; a vent tube connected to the mask and provided with an inlet passage, the inlet passage communicating the breath cavity with external air; and an exhaust device communicating the breath cavity, the exhaust device including an exhaust fan configured to discharge air in the breath cavity into an external environment, thereby enabling the external air to flow into the breath cavity through the inlet passage.

Abstract: The system includes an air flow generator configured to deliver an air flow at a positive therapeutic pressure during the treatment, and an expiratory valve with an open pressure connected to the air flow generator. The open pressure is dependent on the therapeutic pressure from the air flow generator. The expiratory valve further exerts a back pressure upon each exhalation from the patient sufficient to create a pneumatic splint in the patient's respiratory tract. The exhalation from the patient has a first half followed by a second half, and the back pressure is varied such that during the start of the first half, the back pressure is between 0 and 50% of a peak back pressure, and increases to a peak back pressure in the second half.

Abstract: A CPAP mask cover and method for making the same are presented. The CPAP mask cover includes first and second material sections arranged in different orientations, such as with the bias of the first material section substantially perpendicular to the bias of the second material section. A first and second seam and opposite ends of the cover connect the first and second material sections along an overlap or abutment of the inner edges of the first and second material sections. A portion of the edges of the first and second material sections between the first and second seams remain unconnected and capable of forming an opening when the mask cover is stretched to fit onto a CPAP mask.

Abstract: A system includes an access cannula, a deployment cannula having a plurality of engagement arms, and a containment bag. The deployment cannula is slidable within the access cannula between an initial condition, wherein the engagement arms are retained in a contracted configuration, and a deployed condition, wherein the engagement arms are disposed in an expanded configuration. The containment bag includes an open end portion configured to receive the first elongated tubular member and the second elongated tubular member. In the initial condition, a portion of the containment bag towards the open end portion is positioned adjacent at least one of the first elongated tubular member or the second elongated tubular member. In the deployed condition, the portion of the containment bag is expanded such that the portion of the containment bag is spaced-apart from the at least one of the first elongated tubular member or the second elongated tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for creating and/or maintain patency of the upper airway passage. The device is configured to fit under the chin of a subject at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device includes structural elements designed to optimize comfort, compliance and seal achieved through minimizing the pressure variation along the contact surface of the therapy device.

Abstract: An anti-explosion gas generator for health use is provided. The anti-explosion gas generator for health use includes an electrolysis device for electrolyzing water to produce a gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. The gas generator for health use further includes a gas mixing system coupled to the electrolysis device for receiving the gas mixture. The gas mixing system mixes the gas mixture with water vapor, an atomized medicine, a volatile essential oil or a combination thereof to produce a health gas. The health gas is provided for being inhaled by a user.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an assistance implement for ameliorating sleep apnea syndrome which is set in an oral cavity of a user to retain an airway of the user. The assistance implement includes: an oral cavity insertion elastic body formed into an arching plate when viewed end-on from the front or rear; and a lip clamping elastic body shaped into a plate, and provided to a front end of the oral cavity insertion elastic body to oppose the oral cavity insertion elastic body from below.

Abstract: There is provided an electronically controlled, motor-driven, breath actuated metered dose inhaler for delivering aerosolized medicament or other matter to a user. The inhaler may comprise a base housing including a motor-driven actuator and other system components and a removable aerosol cartridge insertably receivable in the base housing. The inhaler may be paired with a smart phone or other client computing device to provide additional functionality, such as to provide instructional information and feedback regarding usage of the inhaler, to generate and display dosage tracking information, and to provide alerts and reminders to a user of the inhaler or others.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device sensory system is provided. The system may include an outer body, an atomizer, and an infrared sensor. The atomizer, which may be received in the outer body, may include a heating element. The infrared sensor may be configured to measure infrared radiation produced by the atomizer. The infrared sensor may be located inside or outside of the outer body. In this regard, by way of example, the infrared sensor may be configured to provide feedback for control purposes, or the infrared sensor may be employed for testing purposes. A fiber optic cable may extend from the infrared sensor to a component to sense the radiation being emitted therefrom.

Abstract: A fluid trap is disclosed herein. The fluid trap has a tube connector defining a first interior passageway and a second interior passageway. The tube connector is adapted for connection with a dual lumen tube such that the first interior passageway is in fluid communication with one of the dual lumen and the second interior passageway is in fluid communication with the other of the dual lumen. The fluid trap also includes a reservoir operatively connected to the tube connector. The reservoir is in fluid communication with only one of the interior passageways, and is configured to retain fluid from that passageway.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating excess mucus accumulation in mammals by administering gaseous inhaled nitric oxide or nitric oxide releasing compounds as a mucolytic agent or expectorant are provided. Delivery of gaseous nitric oxide can be made nasally or orally and is preferably substantially coincident with inhalation of the mammal or based on a synchronous parameter of the mammal's respiratory cycle. Varying therapeutic profiles may be used for the delivery of gaseous nitric oxide depending on the severity of the excess mucus accumulation. Parameters for the therapeutic profiles may include flow rate of nitric oxide containing gas, duration of administration of nitric oxide containing gas, number of breaths for which nitric oxide containing gas is to be administered, and concentrations of therapeutic NO delivered to the airways.