Abstract: A method provide high-purity nitric oxide by preserving quality of the nitric oxide by suitably inhibiting the disproportionation reaction of the nitric oxide that is transported in a state of being stored in a high-pressure gas cylinder, and decreasing the amount of nitrous oxide and nitrogen dioxide that are produced during the transportation. When the nitric oxide is transported in a state of being stored in the high-pressure gas cylinder, the nitric oxide is filled into the high-pressure gas cylinder at a gauge pressure between 1.96 MPa to 3.5 MPa to be stored, and is transported in a state in which the exterior surface temperature of the high-pressure gas cylinder is held in a range from ?15° C. to 5° C.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging at least one fluid cylinder using a first fluid cylinder. The system uses a flow indicating switch which can comprise an internal magnetic source to detect the flow of fluid. The flow indicating switch is in communication with an electronic sequencing module. The electronic sequencing module controls the order and timing of discharge from the first fluid cylinder into the at least one fluid cylinder.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compensating long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors used in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide (NO) gas to a patient by compensating for drift that may be specific to the sensors. In at least some instances, the long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors can be addressed using calibration schedules, which can factor in the absolute change in set dose of NO being delivered to the patient that can drive one or more baseline calibrations. The calibration schedules can reduce the amount of times the sensor goes offline. Systems and methods may factor in actions occurring at the delivery system and/or aspects of the surrounding environment, prior to performing a baseline calibration, and may postpone the calibration and/or rejected using the sensor's output for the calibration.

Abstract: A device for monitoring gases present in a breathing mask. A gas sensing element carried by the breathing mask senses the partial pressure of a gas present in the breathing mask and outputs signals corresponding to the sensed gas partial pressure. The gas sensing element may comprise a gas-sensing material configured to emit, in response to light excitation, an optical signal at an intensity corresponding to the partial pressure of a sensed gas.

Abstract: A device for providing a medicament from capsules, where the device is integrated into an inhaler and comprises a capsule receiver comprising a capsule chamber, which extends along a first direction (X) in the manner of a tube and in which a capsule can be arranged, and a puncture device for opening the capsules, where the puncture device is arranged in a second direction (Y) radial to the capsule chamber, the puncture device having at least one needle which is moveable in sections into the capsule chamber in the second direction (Y) by means of an actuating button. A respective rear portion of the at least one needle of the puncture device is received in part in a needle receiver. The capsule receiver comprises at least one guide channel extending along the second direction (Y), wherein the needle receiver is arranged in the guide channel in such a moveable manner.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery system is disclosed that is a single-use (disposable) continuous nebulizer system designed for use with mechanically ventilated patients to aerosolize medications for inhalation with a general purpose nebulizer, or for connection with devices usable in endoscopic procedures. The system separates the liquid reservoir from the nebulization process taking place either at the adapter hub, where it fits into an endotracheal tube (ETT), or a gas humidifier, where the aerosol may treat a gas used in an endoscopic procedure, with a multi-lumen tube configured to nebulize liquid and air at its distal end. The refillable liquid reservoir is mounted away from the immediate treatment zone, avoiding orientation issues associated with other types of nebulizers having a self-contained reservoir. The system can produce aerosols having a wide range of droplet sizes, depending upon central lumen diameter, with values of MMAD that range from 4 to 30 ?m.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system is provided. The system includes a solenoid magnet configured to generate a static magnetic field and an annular coil assembly housed within at least a portion of the solenoid magnet. The coil assembly includes a gradient coil, wherein the annular coil assembly has an aperture formed therein.

Abstract: A medicine accommodating structure includes a medicine accommodating unit and a movable unit. The medicine accommodating unit is disposed in a receiving space, and the medicine accommodating unit includes a medicine accommodating space and a first opening communicated between the receiving space and the medicine accommodating space. The movable unit is movably disposed between the receiving space and the medicine accommodating space through the first opening. At least one pharmaceutical capsule having a medicinal liquid received therein is placed inside the medicine accommodating space. Whereby, when the movable unit is moved from the receiving space into the medicine accommodating space, the movable unit can pierce into the at least one pharmaceutical capsule, such that the medicinal liquid can flow from the at least one pharmaceutical capsule into the receiving space.

Abstract: A nicotine delivery system includes a nebulizer. The nebulizer includes a canister, a compressor and a hose extending between the canister and the compressor. The canister contains a liquid and the liquid comprises a nicotine solution. The canister includes a fogging unit. The fogging unit converts the liquid into a mist. Thus, the mist may be inhaled. The canister has an inhale port and an exhale port. Each of the inhale port and the exhale port is fluidly coupled to the canister. The inhale port may be sucked thereby facilitating the mist to be inhaled. A charging unit is provided. The compressor is selectively electrically coupled to the charging unit. Thus, the charging unit charges the compressor.

Abstract: Methods of delivering cromolyn to a patient in need thereof, methods of treating amyloid-associated conditions and inflammatory or allergic lung diseases, and blister packs and kits comprising cromolyn are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhalation device used for inhalation of the medicament in dry powder form from capsules.

Abstract: An exemplary atomizer includes a liquid supply component, an atomizing assembly, and a pricking means. The liquid supply component is configured for storing tobacco liquid. The liquid supply component has a sealing means for sealing the tobacco liquid therein. The pricking means for pricking the sealing structure so that the tobacco liquid flows to the atomizing assembly. The atomizing assembly is configured for heating the tobacco liquid to form aerosol.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying anesthetic agent to an anesthesia system. The system is connecting detachably with at least two such apparatuses. The apparatus includes a storage volume for a liquid anesthetic agent and a space for evaporating the liquid agent. The apparatus also includes a gas inlet port for receiving a fresh gas for mixing with evaporated agent and a gas outlet port for conducting the gas mixture including evaporated agent to the system. The apparatus also includes a logic circuit for controlling anesthetic agent supply and an apparatus signal connector to exchange information. The apparatus signal connector includes at least one first apparatus contact for receiving from the system a signal indicating whether anesthetic agent supply is allowed or prevented, and a second apparatus contact to indicate that this apparatus is configured to supply anesthetic agent.

Abstract: A device (13) is provided for use with a treatment device for treating a patient. The device (13) includes a detection device (17) for detecting at least one transition of the patient's treatment from a first phase of treatment to a second phase of treatment. A signal device (25) for sending at least one signal when the transition is detected. It proposes, furthermore, a workstation equipped herewith.

Abstract: There is described a dry powder medicament delivery device comprising: a medicament container containing a unit dose of dry powder medicament; a medicament dispensing assembly; and optionally an air source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhaler which is appropriate for delivery of medicament in dry powder form used in respiratory diseases, particularly in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, the present invention relates to an inhaler which includes a blister package appropriate for carrying the medicament in dry powder form and used to realize an effective inhalation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhaler which is appropriate for delivery of medicament in dry powder form used in respiratory diseases, particularly in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, the present invention relates to an inhaler which includes a blister package appropriate for carrying the medicament in dry powder form and used to realize an effective inhalation.

Abstract: A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device is disclosed. The bag may include an integral sparger and sensor receiver. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein such apparatus comprises an indicator to inform a user of the apparatus when the flow of breathing gas rises above or falls below a predetermined level or range. Also described is a method of monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein the flow of breathing gas is measured and displayed. In some embodiments, an alert is provided when the flow of breathing gas rises above or falls below a predetermined level or range.

Abstract: A system and to automate the integrity check of a breathing system and inform a ventilator to deliver a compensated gas volume, and alert the user if a vital component of a breathing circuit is absent or not fully connected. The system and method utilize an open RFID tag on a first point of connection and a conducting ring on the second point of connection such that when a circuit connection is made, the open RFID tag becomes active and provides an RFID reader with data regarding the circuit connection.

Abstract: A dry powder delivery device may be configured to provide micronized dry powder particles to airways of a user. The device may include a cylindrical container delimiting a chamber containing at least one magnetically-responsive object, a motor external to said chamber, a magnet external to the chamber and rotatably coupled with the motor, and an outflow member configured to direct airflow to a user. The magnetically-responsive object may be coated with micronized dry powder particles, and the motor may be operable to rotate the magnet about an axis. Rotation of the magnet creates a magnetic field that causes the magnetically-responsive object to move in response to the magnetic field and collide with a side wall of the container to deaggregate the dry powder particles and aerosolize the dry powder in the chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a method and system configured to in-exsufflate a subject by controlling the in-exsufflation pressure waveform. In some embodiments, the system comprises a pressure generator, a subject interface, one or more sensors, one or more processors, electronic storage, a user interface, and/or other components. The system is configured to assist the subject to loosen and/or expel secretions by inducing a percussive pressure waveform delivered to the subject during inhalation and/or exhalation. The system is configured to control the in-exsufflation therapy delivered to the subject without requiring regular manual setting and/or adjustment of pressures, pressure amplitudes, a frequency range, and/or other parameters of the percussive pressure waveform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smokeless cigarette, cigar, or pipe having at least one depot (10) for storing and for defined release due to external heat input of nicotine and/or compound comprising nicotine to an airflow to be guided through the depot (10). According to the invention the depot (10) comprises at least one heat transfer segment (16) for targeted heat input for defined release of the nicotine and/or nicotine compound to the airflow.

Abstract: An on-demand vapor generator includes a vapor chamber configured to produce a vapor and a vapor absorption assembly configured to receive flows of vapor from the vapor chamber. The vapor absorption assembly includes a first vapor-permeable passage having a passage outlet and at least one second vapor-permeable passage that is closed. When vapor absorption assembly receives a flow of vapor from the vapor chamber, the flow of vapor passes through the first vapor-permeable passage to the passage outlet at least substantially without absorption of vapor from the flow of vapor. However, when a flow of vapor is not received from the vapor chamber, vapor entering the vapor absorption assembly from the vapor chamber passes into the first vapor-permeable passage and the at least one second vapor-permeable passage and is at least substantially absorbed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isotope labeling chamber for labeling metabolites in an organism, comprising a reactor chamber (1) and an air regulation chamber (2), wherein the reactor chamber (1) comprises the following components: optionally, a housing frame (3), housing walls (4), at least one injection valve (5), where at least one housing wall (4) can be opened fully and/or in part and where at least one housing wall has a lock (6), and furthermore wherein the air regulation chamber (2) comprises the following components: a temperature-regulating unit (7), an air humidification unit (8) and a gas absorption unit (9). Furthermore, the invention relates to a labeling method for plants in which the labeling chamber according to the invention is employed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mixing at least two gases for delivery to the airway of a subject use a gas mixing circuit having a diffusion portion. The diffusion portion may be configured to elongate the shape of the cross-section of the path through the gas mixing circuit in a particular direction and/or orientation. As a result, the gas concentration profile of the gas mixture after the gas mixing circuit is more uniform than the gas concentration profile after the merging of multiple gases.

Abstract: An oscillating positive respiratory pressure apparatus and a method of performing oscillating positive respiratory pressure therapy. The apparatus includes a housing having an interior chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, an exhalation flow path defined between the inlet and the outlet, and a restrictor member rotatably mounted within the interior chamber. The restrictor member has an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the flow path at the inlet, and includes at least one blocking segment. Rotation of the restrictor member moves the at least one blocking segment between an open position and a closed position. Respiratory pressure at the chamber inlet oscillates between a minimum when the at least one blocking segment is in the open position and a maximum when the at least one blocking segment is in the closed position. By exhaling into the apparatus, oscillating positive expiratory pressure therapy is administered.

Abstract: There is provided a medicament dispenser for use with plural elongate form medicament carriers, each having multiple distinct medicament dose portions carried thereby, the dispenser having a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the distinct medicament dose portions carried by each of the plural medicament carriers. The mechanism comprises a receiving station for receiving each of the plural medicament carriers; a release for releasing a distinct medicament dose portion from each of the plural medicament carriers on receipt thereof by the receiving station; an outlet, positioned to be in communication with the distinct medicament dose portions releasable by said a release; and an indexer for individually indexing the distinct medicament dose portions of each of the plural medicament carriers.

Abstract: A powder inhaler having reservoirs containing a dose of powder and formed on a flexible blister strip having a base layer with cavities and a closure layer. The base layer containing empty blisters rolls up around a first rotary receiver element, and the closure layer peeled off the base layer rolls up around a second rotary receiver element that has a first portion forming a peeling wheel and a second portion forming a tensioner. The tensioner is capable of turning in a first direction of rotation and includes a fastener element for the leading end of the closure layer. The tensioner turns with the peeling wheel in the first direction to roll up the closure layer at each actuation of the device and turns relative to the peeling wheel in the first direction of rotation to tension the closure layer after the blister strip has been assembled in the body.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating and operating dry powder inhalers that include dose disks and airway channel disks with sealant layers, the airway channel disks forming radially-extending discrete, typically dose-specific, airway channels serially forming a portion of the inhalation pathway to deliver dry powder to a user using the inhalers.

Abstract: Hyperbaric chamber control system and apparatus and related methods. A system for controlling, measuring, and reporting hyperbaric chamber sessions using the partial pressure of oxygen as the lead variable. Air is gently flushed from the bottom of the chamber, upwards, and a nostril-level oxygen pickup measures oxygen concentration in the chamber. Chamber pressure and oxygen concentration values are used to calculate the partial pressure of oxygen, and the session time is adjusted so that a subject treatment accurately reflects prescribed treatment.

Abstract: A device and a process for the heating and humidification of gas, especially respiratory gas. Fluid from a fluid reservoir is supplied to a sprinkling type chamber where, for the purpose of humidification, it is moved through the gas. The point is that the fluid is heated by a temperature controlled heater to a preset temperature. In addition to the description of the device, a description of the process underlying the operation of the device is described.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for delivering CO2 into an inspiratory gas stream to formulate a blended respiratory gas in a manner that continuously maintains a target CO2 concentration in a volume of the inspired respiratory gas, for example, over the course of a breath or a volumetrically definable part thereof or a series of partial or full breaths.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to, amongst other things, systems, devices, materials, and methods that can improve the accuracy and/or precision of nitric oxide therapy by, for example, reducing the dilution of inhaled nitric oxide (NO). As described herein, NO dilution can occur because of various factors. To reduce the dilution of an intended NO dose, various exemplary nasal cannulas, pneumatic configurations, methods of manufacturing, and methods of use, etc. are disclosed.

Abstract: A breathing assistance device includes a patient breathing tube having a leading end in fluid communication with a face mask. A source of air under pressure is connected to a first port formed integrally with a valve in fluid communication with the breathing tube and a nebulizer is connected to a second port formed integrally with the valve. A compartment holding a medicinal compound in liquid fluid form is connected to the nebulizer. A valve actuator has an open position where gaseous fluid and aerosolized medicine from the nebulizer flow to the patient through the breathing tube and a closed position where only gaseous fluid without medication is delivered. Medication can therefore be administered to or withheld from the patient by manipulating the valve actuator. The valve construction enables the patient to exhale against pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A training device for treating snoring and apnea is creates positive pressure within a user's nasal passages during exhalation. Exhaling through a breathing tube inflates a primary inflation chamber and a secondary inflation chamber. The secondary inflation chamber is positioned in proximity to the user's nose while inflated, blocking the majority of any nasal exhalations and controlling nasal airflow and pressure.

Abstract: The disclosure describes powder inhalers and dry powder inhaler storage cassettes that include a compartment housing an elongate carrier preloaded with a plurality of doses of finely divided powder comprising a biologically active substance. The compartment is configured such that the preloaded doses are sealed within the compartment and such that the carrier may be advanced from the compartment to the chamber through an exit provided with a moisture barrier sealing system. The moisture barrier sealing system is configured and arranged such that it is relaxable during advancement of the carrier. The sealing system is in sealing configuration prior to an advancement of the carrier, is relaxed upon an advancement of the carrier and is returned to its sealing configuration at the latest after release of the powder associated with the area of the carrier.

Abstract: An atomizer for the delivery, and in particular, for the atomization of a formulation, particularly, a powder has a simple construction that makes a simple intuitive operation possible. In particular, such is achieved by the fact that the atomizer has a mouthpiece with an associated cover, so that opening and/or closing of the cover causes a delivery medium, in particular air, to be taken in and/or put under pressure by a delivery device, a spring store is put under tension and/or a preferably annular reservoir containing a plurality of doses of the formulation is further rotated.

Abstract: A humidifier for humidifying a flow of breathable gas to be delivered to a patient includes a chamber configured to receive the flow of breathable gas; a tub configured to contain a supply of water, the tub being configured to be inserted into the chamber; a lid provided on the chamber and being movable between an open position and a closed position; and a seal provided on the lid, the seal being configured to seal the chamber such that the flow of breathable gas pressurizes the chamber. The humidifier may be connectable to a flow generator configured to generate the flow of breathable gas. A tube for delivering the humidified flow may be connected to the humidifier. The tube may be a heated or non-heated tube. A respiratory apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient may include the humidifier and the flow generator and/or the tube.

Abstract: Various embodiments may provide a breathing and/or anesthetic unit that is portable, compact, inexpensive, and convenient, and which may expedite medical procedures by allowing a health care provider to quickly sedate a patient. Such a unit may be ideal for minor medical procedures needing mild or moderate analgesia/sedation (e.g., <30 minutes) in various fields. Such a unit may include (i) a handheld gas supply container including a therapeutic amount of anesthetic gas; (ii) a mask; (iii) a single-use, uninterruptable flow coupler to couple the mask to the supply container; and (iv) a handheld, self-contained, recovery gas container, including a negative pressure, coupled to the mask.

Abstract: A free-flowing anti-coagulant powder composition, the anti-coagulant composition containing heparin and a bulking agent that is lyophilized or spray dried and ground into a powder. The powdered anti-coagulant composition can be dry filled into syringes and other blood collections systems for rapid dissolution and mixing with collected blood sample without agitation of the container. The formulation may also retain a portion of the initial moisture, which may improve the shelf life and stability of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhaler which is appropriate for delivery of medicament in dry powder form used in respiratory diseases, particularly in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, the present invention relates to an inhaler which includes a blister package appropriate for carrying the medicament in dry powder form and used to realize an effective inhalation.

Abstract: An aerosol generator assembly comprising a vibratable piezo ceramic body (2) having first and second opposing sides, an aperture (o) defined in the vibratable body and extending through the body from the first side to the second side and having a layer of electrical contact material on each side of the vibratable body, the vibratable body being vibratable by application of an electrical signal thereto; a vibratable member (1) with pores defined therein, the vibratable member mounted across the aperture; and an electrical contact material free-zone (4) is provided on at least one side of the body about the aperture, characterized in that the electrical contact material free-zone and the vibratable member are dimensioned so that the vibratable member is mountable directly onto the vibratable body on top thereof within the electrical contact material free-zone such that a gap area free of electrode contact material is formed between the terminating edge of the electrical contact material and the periphery of the

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an example of a device configured to be in fluid communication with an article. The device includes an element configured to contact the article to form a variable compression interface between the element and the article. The device also includes a seal disposed on the element and at the variable compression interface. The seal is configured to reduce an amount of unwanted fluid leakage at the variable compression interface. An example seal includes a filter media configured to trap unwanted particles attempting to pass through the variable compression interface. In one example, the variable compression interface can be included within a heat and moisture exchange (HME) unit.

Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on a series of measurements of one or more variables, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing condensed humidifying agent in a humidification system by pulsing a delivery of humidifying agent into a respiratory circuit. During a non-pulsed interval, gas flowing through the respiratory circuit will evaporate the condensed humidifying agent present in the respiratory circuit. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for delivering humidified gas to a patient, wherein the delivery avoids the problems associated with a stationary water humidifier. In the method, the delivery of humidifying agent is precisely controlled to deliver a flow of humidifying agent to a volume of gas.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a device for dispensing a plurality of unitary doses of dry powder. The device includes: a casing; first and second supports respectively for two carriers each having a plurality of housings for respective unitary doses adapted to be connected to the mouthpiece for inhalation of the dose, the first and second supports being moveably mounted within the casing for sequentially connecting the housings to the mouthpiece; an indexing mechanism adapted to engage and move the first and second supports; and a changeover mechanism adapted to cause the device to pass from a first dispensing state to a second dispensing state and lock the second support in its stationary position while the device is in the first dispensing state, and to lock the first support in its stationary position while the device is in the second dispensing state.

Abstract: A venturi connector includes a housing having a mixing chamber defined therein and at least one window that is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber and is open to atmosphere to allow air to be entrained into the mixing chamber. The connector includes a nozzle actuator member includes a body having a plurality of discrete nozzles formed therein. The nozzles are defined by different sized venturi orifices through which gas flows, thereby allowing the concentration of the gas delivered to the patient to be varied. The nozzle actuator member is disposed within one window formed in the housing between the gas port and the mixing chamber such that the position of the nozzle actuator member within the housing can be adjusted so as to position one of the discrete nozzles into the gas flow path, thereby controlling the flow rate of the gas into the mixing chamber and ultimately the concentration of gas delivered to the patient.

Abstract: A device (10) for dispensing oxygen for an anesthesia device includes a switching element (15) that diverts oxygen between a first gas path (153) and a second gas path (154). The first gas path (153) leads to a patient (27) via a connection and port element. The second gas path (154) leads to a gas tapping port (20) for oxygen or gas insufflation.

Abstract: Methods for treating ailments in a patient in need thereof includes the step of directing a therapeutic, non-inhaled dosage to at least one nasal cavity of the patient through a flow regulating device while the patient refrains from inhaling. The dosage includes (a) a saline fluid (b) a gas containing carbon dioxide and (c) at least one additional active component, wherein the therapeutic, non-inhaled dosage is delivered at a flow rate from 1 cc/sec to 20 cc/sec for a duration of 2 to 30 seconds.