Abstract: A respiratory face mask is provided suitably sized and configured to engage the nose portion, mouth portion and chin portion of a patient's face. The face mask is characterized by a cup-like shell or receptacle member defining a peripheral flange and a flexible inflatable hollow sealing cushion on the shell member flange. Headstrap fastener projections extending upright on the flange are adapted to accommodate an elastic headstrap that adjustably may be removably slidingly coupled to the projections to hold the mask in place on a patient's face and head.

Abstract: A disposable breathing circuit is adapted to be connected between a disposable face mask and a vacuum source for delivering fresh gas to the face mask and for scavenging waste gas exhaled from the face mask. The breathing circuit includes a fresh gas supply tube, a flexible flow-through exhalation bag, an exhalation tube disposed between the face mask and an entry port of the exhalation bag, and a scavenging tube disposed between an exit or of the exhalation bag and the vacuum source. The exhalation tube includes a one-way valve to prevent re-breathing.

Abstract: A ventilator that delivers air at different pressures to a patient during inspiratory and expiratory cycles of breathing and that cycles from inspiratory to expiratory operation when the patient's respiratory flow passes a threshold level. The threshold generally increases from the beginning of inspiration to the end of inspiration. The increase can be linear over all or only a portion of the inspiratory cycle, and the threshold can be adjusted so that cycling is prevented during the initial portion of an inspiratory cycle. The minimum and maximum levels may both be functions of peak flow and the threshold may increase as a function of elapsed inspiratory time. The rate at which the threshold increases from a minimum level to a maximum level may be adjustable for individual patient needs and may be determined from previous breaths.

Abstract: An elbow assembly for use in a respiratory mask, which includes an elbow, an inlet port, an exhaust port, and a baffle separating the inlet port from the exhaust port. A mask assembly includes a cushion comprising at least one gusset and an aperture for connection to the elbow assembly.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system, which includes a gas bottle having nitrogen dioxide in air, converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide and employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid. A nitric oxide delivery system may be used to generate therapeutic gas including nitric oxide for use in delivering the therapeutic gas to a mammal.

Abstract: Bymixer devices and methods for sampling or obtaining data from mixed respiratory gases in a ventilation circuit. Respiratory gasses from a plurality of consecutive breaths become mixed within a mixing chamber of the bymixer and samples or data are obtained from such mixed respiratory gasses. Optionally, the volume of the mixing chamber and/or the resistance to flow into or through the mixing chamber may be selectable or adjustable.

Abstract: An aspiration and resuscitation system which is useable to perform aspiration and/or resuscitation procedures on living beings, particularly small animals, and most particularly newborn small animals such as puppies and kittens. The system includes an aspirator and a resuscitator. Each includes a separable pump and animal interface mask. Further disclosed are aspiration and resuscitation methods using the disclosed apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems that may extend the proximal length of a tracheal tube. A tracheal tube extension system may be provided that includes secure attachment features used to securely couple a tracheal tube to a tracheal tube extension. The tracheal tube extension may be attached to the proximal end of the tracheal tube and includes an upper end connector. The upper end connector may be used to couple the tracheal tube extension to a variety of medical devices such as a ventilator, a manual respirator, a nebulizer, a vaporizer, suctioning equipment, and so forth. The use of the tracheal tube extension enables an increase in working space in the area in front of the tracheal tube, thus allowing for the convenient and rapid access to the various connectors that may be coupled to the patient.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a device for supplying respiratory gas to a patient according to respiratory cycles, comprising a gaseous flow rate generator provided with a turbine with low inertia and high nominal speed, a first circuit called a supply circuit for the gaseous flow toward a respiratory mask or an intubation means of the patient, means for measuring pressure and/or measuring flow rate of the gaseous flow, computation means for parameters of pressure and/or flow rate, and means for controlling the speed of rotation of the generator, characterized in that the measuring means, the computation means and the speed control means coact automatically to control the speed of rotation of the turbine as a function of the inspiration and expiration phases and as a function of patient pressure signals and/or inspiration flow rate signals.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator may rely on a pressure swing adsorption process to produce an oxygen enriched gas stream from canisters filled with granules capable of separation of oxygen from an air stream. The adsorption process uses a cyclical pressurization and venting of the canisters to generate an oxygen enriched gas stream. The oxygen concentrator system may include one or more flow restrictors to allow controlled release of oxygen enriched gas between the canisters.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of reducing the risk that a medical treatment comprising inhalation of nitric oxide gas will induce an increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in the patient, leading to pulmonary edema.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passages of a mammal. The nasal support device (NSD) disclosed herein is useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. The NSD overlies the nose and provides support for maintaining the nasal passages open.

Abstract: A ventilator and method of ventilator control. The ventilator includes a pneumatic system for providing and receiving breathing gas, and a controller operatively coupled with the pneumatic system. The controller employs closed-loop control to provide positive breathing assistance to a patient. Supplemental feed-forward compensatory assistance is also provided, in addition to and independently of that commanded by the closed-loop control. The supplemental assistance may be determined, set or selected based on a ventilator parameter and/or an operator parameter, and/or as an automatic ongoing compensatory mechanism responding to varying patient respiratory demand.

Abstract: A specified concentration of oxygen in a medical gas delivered to a patient by a gas delivery system can be achieved through the use of pulse width modulation control of the flows of one or more component medical gases. The flow of component medical gases can be controlled to improve the resolution and concentration range of medical gas delivered at low flow rates. A first flow of a first medical gas is provided and a second flow of a second medical gas is introduced to achieve a desired average medical gas concentration. When the second flow of the second medical gas is introduced, the first flow of the first medical gas is reduced to maintain a desired total medical gas flow rate.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a suction lumen are provided. For example, the suction lumen may be associated with two spaced apart pressure transducers, whereby a pressure drop between the transducers indicates that the suction lumen is free of blockages and a characteristic lack of pressure drop and/or particular pressure curve is indicative of a blockage. In addition, embodiments may include a tracheal tube with sensors configured to sense a buildup of secretions. The sensors may be located proximate to an opening in the suction lumen. In other embodiments, a blockage-clearing system for a suction lumen may be provided that blows air into the suction lumen to clear blockages. In particular, in certain embodiments, the blockage-clearing system may operate to create its own pressurized air source by utilizing the pressure change created in the suction line by a blockage.

Abstract: An adaptor includes a housing and a plurality of blades disposed inside the housing. The adaptor can be utilized with a breathing assist device such as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. Air flowing through an air flow path defined by the two ends of the housing is delivered for use. The blades within the housing are aligned in a direction parallel to the air flow path. The blades within the housing can be parallel, zigzag or chevron shape and are designed to facilitate condensation of water from the air flowing over the blades. The adaptor will reduce rain-out effect in the breathing device.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus includes components, including, but not limited to, a flow generator, a patient interface, and a delivery conduit. A connector for connecting components of the breathing apparatus includes a male connector, including a recess, extending from a first component, and a female connector, including a lever pivotally connected thereto, extending from a second component. A switch indicates a connection state of the connector. The switch includes a ring provided in an end of the first or second component and the ring includes a projection extending through an aperture in the end of the first or second component. The projection is movable between a first position and a second position to indicate the state of the connector.

Abstract: An aerosol dispensing device comprises a tubular body that provides a plenum, a mouthpiece having an outlet, a valve for dispensing fluid from a canister as an aerosol with relatively large and small droplet sizes into the plenum for supply to a user through the mouthpiece, and a baffle arrangement that provides first and second passageways each coupled at one end to the plenum and so configured to receive relatively small and large size droplets in the aerosol respectively, the other end of the first passageway extending to the outlet in the mouthpiece to supply the small size droplets to the user, and the other end of the second passageway being closed to inhibit passage of the large size droplets to the mouthpiece outlet, and containing a absorbent pad to prevent leakage of liquid from the canister. The pad may be pre-loaded with a flavourant.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a bite block assembly adapted for capnography and oxygen delivery to a subject, the bite block assembly (50) including a first capnography passageway adapted for passage therethrough of exhaled breath from the subject to a capnograph and a second oxygen delivery passageway, separate from the first passageway, adapted for passage therethrough of oxygen from an oxygen source to the mouth of the subject.

Abstract: A gas assisted re-breathing device is provided for life support of individuals venturing into harsh environments, particularly the underwater environment, which results in reduced work of breathing. In the pressurized gas assisted re-breathing device, pressurized gas, actuated by the breathing pressure local to the mouthpiece, acts to move a flexible gas storage container on behalf of the individual and a loop seal valve is forcibly shut during assisted breathing, which seals the assisted breathing loop to prevent premature venting of breathing gas to the surrounding environment, unless the assisted breathing loop is full, whereupon the loop seal valve opens to allow excess breathing gas to escape into the surrounding environment through forcible exhalation by the individual through one or more conventional one way valves that prevent backflow from the surrounding environment back into the loop.

Abstract: An airway pressure support system (2) that includes a pressure generating device (4) structured to produce a flow of gas and a component (8) such as a patient interface device (8) structured to be selectively coupled to the pressure generating device (4), wherein the pressure generating device (4) and the component (8) are structured to enable the component (8) to be to wirelessly identified by the pressure generating device (4) only when the component (8) is coupled to the pressure generating device (4). Also, a method of identifying a component (8) in an airway pressure support system (2) that includes steps of coupling the component (8) to a pressure generating device (4) of the airway pressure support system (2) and enabling the component (8) to be to wirelessly identified by the pressure generating device (4) only when the component (8) is coupled to the pressure generating device.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a body (10), an elongate flexible strip (20) supporting a plurality of reservoirs (21), a reservoir opening mechanism (30); a first displacement mechanism (40) for causing the flexible strip to advance so as to bring a full reservoir into register with the reservoir-opening mechanism; and a second displacement mechanism (45) for displacing a reservoir (21) against the reservoir opening mechanism (30). The leading end (25) of the flexible strip (20), in the advance direction of the strip is fastened to a receiver element (50), which is displaceable on a path along a guide mechanism (100), between a first position that corresponds to the first actuation of the device and a second position that corresponds to the last actuation of the device.

Abstract: Condensation management techniques for a gas flow delivery system. The techniques include providing a radiant barrier associated with patient circuit and/or a patient interface, providing a water trap and/or an absorbent insert in the patient interface device, or a combination of these techniques. The radiant barrier prevents condensation from forming in the patient circuit and/or the patient interface. The water trap and absorbent insert in the patient interface control condensation that reaches or forms in the interior of the patient interface to prevent it from interfering the user of the gas delivery system.

Abstract: A medical tube has a tube wall defining a passageway for transportation of gases and further has a first end and a second end. At least one end of the medical tube comprises one or more of a pre-formed pneumatic port component, a pre-formed electrical port component, and a pre-formed sensor port component. A cuff is over-moulded about and thereby connects the pneumatic port component, the electrical port component, and/or the sensor port component and at least a portion of the tube end.

Abstract: A breathing tube connecting device is provided for connecting a breathing tube to at least two respirators. The breathing tube connecting device includes a base body with a breathing gas through duct embodied in the base body, a jacket body, which can be meshed with the base body in a positive-locking manner and thus encloses at least a part of the base body in a coaxial manner, and a transponder. The transponder is provided between the base body and the jacket body. The breathing gas through duct and the jacket body are embodied at least partly as a coupling section for a selective connection of the breathing tube to one of the at least two respirators.

Abstract: In a respiratory apparatus for treatment of sleep apnea and other disorders associated with an obstruction of a patient's airway and which uses an airflow signal, an obstruction index is generated which detects the flattening of the inspiratory portion of the airflow. The obstruction index is used to differentiate normal and obstructed breathing. The obstruction index is based upon different weighting factors applied to sections of the airflow signal thereby improving sensitivity to various types of respiration obstructions.

Abstract: An inhaler for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip with a plurality of blister pockets is proposed. A flexible guiding element receives the used blisters strip.

Abstract: A re-configurable pressure regulator for breathing apparatus having a valve housing with a connector at a first and a second end. A pressurized source of breathable gas is connected to either end and a removable blanking plug is connected to the other end of the housing. A double acting valve within the housing selectively opens a first or second opening in the housing, depending on which end the source of breathable gas is connected, which opening forms the inlet and outlet from the housing.

Abstract: The breathing assistance apparatus of the present invention includes a manifold that is provided with or retrofittable to gases supply and humidifying devices. The manifold allows gases from an oxygen concentrator to be combined with the flow through a gases supply and humidifying device, most usually air. The combined output of oxygen and other breathing gases (air) is then humidified. The breathing assistance apparatus and manifold of the present invention provides a safe method to add oxygen to the input air stream of a gases supply and humidifying device and reduces the amount of accumulation of oxygen within the gases supply device, reducing fire risk should sparking occur within the device.

Abstract: A PAP system for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a supply of breathable gas to be delivered to the patient; a humidifier including a heating plate to vaporize water and deliver water vapor to humidify the supply of breathable gas; a heated tube configured to heat and deliver the humidified supply of breathable gas to the patient; a power supply configured to supply power to the heating plate and the heated tube; and a controller configured to control the power supply to prevent overheating of the heating plate and the heated tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved means of treating tracheobronchitis, bronchiectasis and pneumonia in the nosocomial patient, preferably with aerosolized anti gram-positive and anti-gram negative antibiotics administered in combination or in seriatim in reliably sufficient amounts for therapeutic effect. In one aspect, the invention assures this result when aerosol is delivered into the ventilator circuit. In one embodiment the result is achieved mechanically. In another embodiment, the result is achieved by aerosol formulation. In another aspect, the invention assures the result when aerosol is delivered directly to the airways distal of the ventilator circuit. The treatment means eliminates the dosage variability that ventilator systems engender when aerosols are introduced via the ventilator circuit.

Abstract: A ventilation tube (20, 120, 220) is disclosed. The ventilation tube (20, 120, 220) comprises an inner wall (22, 122, 222) that defines a fluid passageway for 5 ventilation gases, an outer wall (24,124,224) that surrounds the inner wall (22, 122, 222) and has a greater thickness than the inner wall (22, 122, 222), a helical separator member (26, 126, 226) interposed between the inner and outer walls (22, 122, 222, 24, 124, 224) so as to define an insulation chamber between the inner and outer walls (22, 122, 222, 24, 124, 224), and a heating element (28, 128, 228) disposed within the insulation chamber.

Abstract: Gel strips containing reactants capable of reacting to form nitric oxide are maintained separate until application. Upon application, the gel strips are placed in contact with one another, and may mix, or operate by diffusion, to deliver nitric oxide directly to the stream of breathing air of a user. Adhesive strips bonded to a substrate supporting the gel strips may provide for securing the nitric oxide generator directly to an upper lip of a user for breathing the nitric oxide through the nostrils.

Abstract: A first source of medical gas has a generally cylindrical male outlet with a cylindrical bore and a threaded outer cylindrical surface. A flexible cylindrical elastomeric medical gas tubing has an input end with a bushing making a flush abutment with the male outlet at the output orifice. An output end attaches to any of a plurality of medical gas utilizing devices, but preferably with a dampening disperser held in position in the space in the vicinity of a patient's nose and mouth. An annular flange of the input end bushing resides within a central cylindrical bored out region extending through the first end and nearly to the second end of a rotatable connector forming an interior surface of a connector with threads coupling with the threads of the male outlet. The second end is an annular abutment against the annular flange holding the input end tubing bushing against the outlet source and providing an airtight coupling. A gripping means is on the exterior surface of the connector.

Abstract: In a respiratory apparatus for treatment of sleep apnea and other disorders associated with an obstruction of a patient's airway and which uses an airflow signal, an obstruction index is generated which detects the flattening of the inspiratory portion of the airflow. The obstruction index is used to differentiate normal and obstructed breathing. The obstruction index is based upon different weighting factors applied to sections of the airflow signal thereby improving sensitivity to various types of respiration obstructions.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits for enhancing breathing in patients suffering from chronic pulmonary obstructive disease are described. The methods and apparatus rely on increasing flow resistance to expiration in a manner which mimics “pursed lip” breathing which has been found to benefit patients suffering from this disease. In a first example, a device is implanted in a trachea or bronchial passage to increase flow resistance, preferably selectively increase resistance to expiration relative to inspiration. In a second embodiment, a mouthpiece is provided, again to increase resistance to expiration, preferably with a lesser increase in flow resistance to inspiration. In a third embodiment, the patient's trachea or bronchial passage is modified by the application of energy in order to partially close the lumen therethrough.

Abstract: A chin strap assembly that easily helps in keeping the mouth closed in conjunction with a respiratory machine. The chin strap assembly includes a main body having a center, a first strap protruding from a first side of the center, and a second strap protruding from a second side of the center. The first strap and the second strap are separated by a gap. The main body is made of an inner layer surrounded by an outer layer. The outer layer is made of a soft material and the inner layer is made of a stuffing material.

Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator designed for medical use where the usable life of the sieve beds, adsorbers, is monitored and communicated to the user or service provider through a user interface or a transmitted signal. The concentrator is designed so that the beds are easily replaced by the user or a field technician. Preferably PSA cycle operating parameters appropriate to the replaced beds can be easily reset if needed by the user or service provider.

Abstract: A face mask which has a fabric body of folded filter material that defines an expandable face pocket, an interior face, an exterior face, a top edge, a bottom edge and opposed side edges. A bendable strip of metal defines a nosepiece that is centrally positioned between the opposed side edges along the top edge. The nosepiece has a length that is not less than 3.50 cm and not more than 6.00 cm, and a width that is not less than 0.30 cm and not more than 2.00 cm. Straps are used to secure the fabric body to a person's head.

Abstract: Devices and systems for monitoring weaning of a subject from a respiratory ventilator including a processing logic configured to characterize distinct patterns in a series of CO2 waveforms, the distinct patterns indicative of the effectiveness of a weaning process; and to provide an indication relating to the effectiveness of the weaning process.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a system and method for treating conditions responsive to nicotine therapy. More specifically, the invention relates to pulmonary administration of a nicotine containing formulation to effect smoking cessation.

Abstract: CPAP treatment apparatus is disclosed having a controllable flow generator (34, 38, 40) operable to produce breathable gas at a treatment pressure elevated above atmosphere to a patient by a delivery tube (32) coupled to a mask (30) having connection with a patient's airway. A sensor (44, 50, 56, 58) generates a signal representative of patient respiratory flow, that is provided to a controller (54, 62, 64). The controller (54, pressure. In one preferred form the increase in pressure is zero if the treatment pressure before the apnea exceeds a pressure threshold. Below the pressure threshold the increase in pressure is an increasing function of the duration of the apnea multiplied by the difference between the pressure threshold and the current treatment pressure.

Abstract: The present invention of one embodiment includes a combined microclimate, thermal management, life-support system for care of patient and system for measurement of vital signs. The system of one embodiment, provides active external heating and simultaneously provides active internal heating.

Abstract: A ventilator mask having an upper part of an elastic material and a mask body, wherein the upper part of the mask is joined with the mask body of the ventilator mask by a mask connection region. A wall of the upper part of the mask bounds at least in certain regions of the wall a cavity which is filled with a filler at least in certain regions of the cavity and the cavity is formed at least in certain regions of the cavity along the periphery of the upper part of the mask.

Abstract: A device for the flow rate limitation at low differential pressures, in particular for the limitation of the inhalation volume flow during the inhalation of therapeutic aerosols, comprising a housing with at least an inlet opening, at least an outlet opening and a flow channel arranged therebetween, wherein the flow channel is restricted by a flexible wall extending along the flow channel, characterized in that the flexible wall has a control area of less than 100 mm2.

Abstract: A portable ventilator uses a ROOTS-type blower as a compressor to reduce both the size and power consumption of the ventilator. Various functional aspects of the ventilator are delegated to multiple subassemblies having dedicated controllers and software that interact with a ventilator processor to provide user interface functions, exhalation control and flow control servos, and monitoring of patient status. The ventilator overcomes noise problems through the use of noise reducing pressure compensating orifices on the ROOTS-type blower housing and multiple baffling chambers. The ventilator is configured with a highly portable form factor, and may be used as a stand-alone device or as a docked device having a docking cradle with enhanced interface and monitoring capabilities.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical treatment and monitoring of a living body, and more particularly to a multipurpose apparatus and method for measuring a living body's respiratory airflow, analyzing the composition of a gas exhaled by a living body and/or insufflating a treating gas into the living body.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach for displaying information on a ventilator system. The disclosure describes a novel respiratory system including a removable primary display and system status display. Further, the disclosure describes a novel method for displaying ventilator information and a novel method for controlling a ventilator system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a brushless DC (BLDC) motor over a wide range of angular speeds is presented. Analog magnetic sensors provide continuous signal measurements related to the rotor angular position at a sample rate independent of rotor angular speed. In one embodiment, analog signal measurements are subsequently processed using an arctangent function to obtain the rotor angular position. The arctangent may be computed using arithmetic computation, a small angle approximation, a polynomial evaluation approach, a table lookup approach, or a combination of various methods. In one embodiment, the BLDC rotor is used to drive a Roots blower used as a compressor in a portable mechanical ventilator system.

Abstract: A method and CPAP apparatus characterizes different mask systems, e.g., masks and hoses. The CPAP apparatus can be calibrated for different mask systems and hoses by including sensors that measure flow and pressure at a flow generator of the apparatus. When the generator is fitted to a new mask system, or any changes are made to an existing one, a method calibrates the generator for the mask system. The method includes determining air flow characteristics using flow measurements from a first test period when flow through the mask system is open, measuring or estimating pressure in the mask system during a second test period when flow through the mask system is blocked and determining air flow characteristics of the diffuser of the mask system using the air flow characteristics of the air delivery hose determined during the first period and the pressure measurements made during the second period.