Abstract: This invention relates to a patient interface, a system and/or method for providing a dedicated or sole inspiratory line or conduit for provision of inspiratory gases to a patient, and a dedicated sole expiratory line or conduit for provision of expiratory gases to a downstream device, where the inspiratory line or conduit is sealing engageable with first of a user's nares and the expiratory line or conduit is sealing engageable with the second of a user's nares.

Abstract: A confirmation device. The device includes a housing having a central passageway and a secondary passageway extending from the central passageway. The device also has a negative pressure member in communication with the secondary passageway and an indicator mechanism in fluid communication with the secondary passageway for visually indicating the presence of one or more components within the secondary passageway. The negative pressure member is operable to draw fluid across the indicator mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for oxygenating the airway of a patient may include a device for delivering an oxygen-carrying gas into the airway, a fire detection system configured to detect indications of an imminent or incipient fire in the airway, and a fire suppression system configured to suppress the imminent or incipient fire in the airway in response to detection of the fire in the airway by the fire detection system. A drape for use during surgery on a patient may include a sheet configured to cover an area of the patient during surgery, a fire detection system attached to the sheet and configured to detect indications of an imminent or incipient fire beneath the sheet, and a fire suppression system attached to the sheet and configured to suppress the imminent or incipient fire beneath the sheet in response to detection of the imminent or incipient fire by the fire detection system.

Abstract: A self-rescuer comprising a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); and a smart light; wherein the smart light comprises a battery; a light bulb; circuitry connecting the battery to the light bulb; a detector for detecting the presence of a hazardous atmospheric condition; and alert apparatus connected to the detector for alerting a user when a hazardous atmospheric condition is detected by the detector, and further wherein the alert apparatus is connected to the circuitry and configured so as to flash the light bulb when a hazardous atmospheric condition is detected.

Abstract: To provide an oxygen concentrator that can ensure safety by interrupting oxygen in a case where the oxygen concentrator is exposed to fire or an abnormal high-temperature environment when a user thereof is inhaling oxygen with a cannula. The oxygen concentrator includes: a compressor separating compressed air by compressing raw air; an oxygen outlet for discharging oxygen acquired from the compressed air; a coupler mounted on a tube of a cannula and removably connecting the tube to the oxygen outlet, and moreover having a temperature sensor; and a control unit stopping operation of the compressor to interrupt the supply of oxygen when a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches a predetermined temperature or higher.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating the pressure within an aircraft flight crew area during and/or after a decompression event. For example, an aircraft may include a flight crew area, at least one pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the atmosphere within the flight crew area, and at least one regulated decompression panel that is operatively associated with the pressure sensor, for regulating the pressure within the flight crew area during and/or after a decompression event.

Abstract: A system for protecting individuals and property exposed to potential ignition and fires resulting from the release of high-oxygen concentration gas blends from oxygen systems used for breathing assistance. Said system comprises an oxygen storage container and delivery mechanism, said container filled with a blend of above-atmospheric oxygen and inert gases of appropriate composition and capacity to prevent the onset of ignition and fire when discharged and encountering ignition sources and combustibles, yet suitable for breathing by recipients and users of the system. Alternative embodiments can comprise covers over said oxygen containers, filled with materials suitable to prevent the ignition of combustibles encountering the high-oxygen blends from said oxygen containers, when both the blends and materials are dually discharged due to rupture of their respective containers after experiencing an impact.

Abstract: Operating room fires are prevented by a safety interlock that disables instrumentalities (such as an electrical cautery device) capable of igniting a fire in the presence of oxygen and a fuel source or combustible material such as skin, hair and/or prep agents containing alcohol. Removal of, e.g., the cautery device is sensed by a sensor to disable an oxygen source supplying oxygen to a patient and set a timer. Electrical activation of the cautery device only is permitted upon timing-out of the timer, which timing out is set for a time when oxygen will have cleared from the patient's immediate surroundings. A further safety feature is provided in a further timing, by the same or another timer, of the time during which the patient has been deprived of oxygen. After a short duration, then, the cautery (or other) device is denied electrical power and oxygen is permitted to flow again to the patient.

Abstract: An oxygen switching apparatus and method switches a flow of oxygen under pressure as between a first oxygen carrying tube and a second oxygen carrying tube. In this manner, the flow of oxygen under pressure is restricted to one nostril at a time, and the switching can prevent one nostril from becoming unduly chafed or harmed by a continuous flow of oxygen thereto. The switch can be located within the housing containing the source of pressurized oxygen, or can be external thereto.

Abstract: A protective neck and shoulder shroud assembly for use with a self contained breathing apparatus, the assembly including a neck curtain including a head portion, a left flap coupled to and extending generally forwardly from the head portion, and a right flap coupled to and extending generally forwardly from the head portion. The neck curtain further includes a fastener for releasably coupling the left and right flaps together such that when the flaps are coupled together. The neck curtain has a front opening located above the flaps, the front opening being located to expose at least a portion of a wearer's face or to expose at least a portion of an mask worn on the wearer's face when the neck curtain is worn by a wearer. The assembly includes a generally cylindrical enclosure shaped and sized to receive a gas canister therein, and a fastener for coupling the enclosure to an inner surface of the neck curtain.

Abstract: A device for preventing ignition of an endotracheal tube during laser surgery is provided, wherein the device permits communication among a sensor associated with endotracheal tube and a laser which generates the laser beam. When the sensor and endotracheal tube are impinged by the laser, the sensor senses this impingement, and communicates with a controller which controls power entering the laser beam. Because of such communication, the controller impedes power entering the laser, which extinguishes the laser and prevents ignition of the endotracheal tube.