Abstract: A method for providing battery security in a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient is provided. A battery security system of the breathing assistance system receives battery data from a battery received in the breathing assistance system, and analyzes the received battery data to determine whether the battery is approved for use in the breathing assistance system. If the battery is determined to be approved for use in the breathing assistance system, the battery is allowed to provide power to the breathing assistance system. If the battery is not determined to be approved for use in the breathing assistance system, the battery is prevented from providing power to the breathing assistance system.

Abstract: A dose counter includes a housing having an indicator member rotatably mounted in the housing. A drive gear is associated with the indicator member. The drive gear and a flexible support member include interfacing indexing features, with at least a portion of the support member being moveable toward and away from the drive gear. In another aspect, a movement limiter is operably engaged with the indicator member to prevent any rotation of the indicator member in response to actuations occurring between a predetermined number of actuations greater than one. In another aspect, a drive member includes a pawl portion and a biasing portion. The biasing portion is engageable with indicator member and biases the pawl outwardly relative to the indicator member along the axial direction as the drive member is moved from a preassembled position to an assembled position. Medicament devices including containers of medicament, together with methods of use and assembly, are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide ventilation to a patient's lung or airway using a nasal ventilation mask, as part of either a non-invasive ventilation system (NIV) or a non-invasive open-airway ventilation system (NIOV). A ventilation mask may include a rigid or semi-rigid manifold housing. A compliant tube may be located within the manifold housing for forming a main gas pathway through the manifold housing. One or more nasal connectors may be fluidly coupled to the main gas pathway in the compliant tube. A system for sensing airflow through a patient's nose may include a sensing port with a distal opening that opens to a main gas pathway. A protrusion on at least one side of the distal opening may protrude into the main gas pathway.

Abstract: Ventilator enables operator to enter into the microprocessor estimate of a patient's individual characteristic, such as weight, which the microprocessor uses to control delivered tidal volume and other parameters to match the patient. The operator can select one of several ventilator operational modes (intube, mask, CPR). Sensors input data to the microprocessor to maintain parameter optimizations and accuracy. Visual/audible alarms and tools activate when one or more parameters exceed or fail to exceed predetermined values for patient's weight. Manual over-ride is available. The ventilator has a quick start capability in which the operator turns on power, selects the automatic operating mode, enters patient's characteristic, selects control option starting automatic ventilation of proper volumes inhalation/exhalation periods, pressure, and oxy-air mixture.

Abstract: An inhaler including an outlet and a plurality of sealed compartments containing medicament is disclosed. An opening mechanism is provided to open the compartment presently aligned with the outlet. An indexing mechanism sequentially aligns the compartments with the outlet. A latch is provided for latching the opening mechanism in an energized position. The latch cannot latch the opening mechanism before the indexing mechanism has aligned the next compartment with the outlet. A method of priming an inhaler and a method of dispensing a medicament from an inhaler is also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and apparatus that may be used in various applications, such as medical treatment of humans and animals. Among other things, the invention teaches a method for evacuating secretions in the trachea of a patient during endotracheal intubation by incorporating the use of a novel closed suctioning tracheal device containing a dedicated primary liquid reservoir, and a liquid chamber for supplying the liquid for lavage.

Abstract: A nasal filter structure includes an artificial filter that inconspicuously covers the nasal passage with a screened nasal dilator. The structure includes a nasal dilation strip preferably positioned to affect the area of nasal flex points to aid in dilating a nasal passage in an area near a nasal flex point.

Abstract: A dispensing device, a storage device and a method for dispensing a formulation as a spray using a gas stream. Doses of the formulation are contained in storage members, which comprise individual atomizing device. The storage members are received in cavities, which are sealed by a common outlet seal. The outlet seal is peeled individually for each cavity to open the respective storage member and its atomizing device before the respective dose is dispensed by a gas stream flowing through the storage member.

Abstract: A counter containing: a first ring member having first indicia and a second ring member having second indicia, each of the first and second ring members being rotatable in increments about a common axis, one or both of the first and second indicia indicating a count; a drive mechanism for rotating the first ring member; and a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling the first ring member to the second ring member, to allow the first and second ring members to rotate cooperatively when coupled and to allow independent rotating of the first ring member when not coupled; wherein the coupling mechanism contains first and second engagement structures, the first engagement structures being movable radially outwardly and radially inwardly relative to the axis.

Abstract: Described are methods for safer nitric oxide delivery, as well as apparatuses for performing these methods. The methods may include detecting the presence or absence of a nasal cannula, and stopping the delivery of nitric oxide or providing an alert if the cannula is disconnected. The methods may also include purging the nasal cannula if it is reconnected after a disconnection or if it is replaced by a new cannula. Other methods pertain to automatic purging of the delivery conduit if the elapsed time between successive deliveries of therapeutic gas exceeds a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: In a method and system of regulating multiple anesthetic agents in a breathing circuit of an anesthetic breathing apparatus is disclosed, a primary anesthetic agent added to the breathing circuit is regulated to a set desired value of the amount of the primary anesthetic agent, and a secondary anesthetic agent in the breathing circuit is regulated to an amount of said secondary anesthetic agent that it is equal to or less than a defined threshold level, e.g. of the concentration, of the secondary anesthetic agent.

Abstract: A method and corresponding device are described for combating microbes and infections by delivering intermittent high doses of nitric oxide to a mammal for a period of time and which cycles between high and low concentration of nitric oxide gas. The high concentration of nitric oxide is preferably delivered intermittently for brief periods of time that are interspersed with periods of time with either no nitric oxide delivery or lower concentrations of nitric oxide. The method is advantageous because at higher concentration, nitric oxide gas overwhelms the defense mechanism of pathogens that use the mammalian body to replenish their thiol defense system. A lower dose or concentration of nitric oxide gas delivered in between the bursts of high concentration nitric oxide maintains nitrosative stress pressure on the pathogens and also reduces the risk of toxicity of nitric oxide gas.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for ventilating a patient with a system that includes an accumulator for storing a gas mixture. The disclosure further describes a novel approach for a fast delivery of a change in gas mixture to a patient by utilizing a variable-sized accumulator.

Abstract: An animal euthanization assembly provides a method for humanely anesthetizing and euthanizing animals using small but effective single doses of agents dispersed from a single one use container. The assembly includes a box having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall defining an interior space of the box. A lid selectively couples to the box wherein the interior space is enclosed. A valve is coupled to the box. A canister has a dispensing nozzle selectively engageable to the valve wherein contents of the canister are dispensed into the interior space of the box when the dispensing nozzle is engaged to the valve. An anesthetizing agent and a euthanizing agent are dispensed from the canister when the dispensing nozzle is engaged to the valve.

Abstract: A multi-port manifold includes an instrument port, bronchoscope inlet, entrance for air and common exit. It is proposed to position the instrument port in line with the exit. The bronchoscope inlet is positioned at a very small angle with respect to the instrument port, while the air entrance extends at right angles to the plane defined by the axes of the port and the inlet.

Abstract: A medical apparatus is provided. The medical apparatus includes a water source for supplying water to a mixer, a gas source for supplying gas to a gas reservoir, a gas output for flowing gas from the gas reservoir to the mixer to mix with water to form a first mixture, a line for carrying the first mixture, Venturi tubes on the line, medication units for containing liquid medication and communicating with the Venturi tubes respectively, a mixing device being downstream of the Venturi tubes to atomize the liquid medication and the first mixture to form a final mixture, a control panel, and an outlet for exiting the final mixture. Infected skin areas of a patient can be washed aseptically by the medical apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the humane euthanasia of small animals involves the use of a programmable controller and animal holding chamber. The apparatus includes a Mass Flow Controller (“MFC”) having a closed-loop interface with a Programmable Logic Controller (“PLC”) to provide a predetermined flow rate of gas under specified pressures for specified time periods. The PLC is preprogrammed to provide various cycles that are designed to provide the proper flow rate for various animal species. The program may allow for a two-stage flow rate cycle so that in the first stage the animal is anesthetized and in the second stage the animals are euthanatized.

Abstract: A method for controlling a capacity of a carbon dioxide remover in an anesthesia breathing system is disclosed herein. The method includes determining exhaled breathing gas flow volume of a subject in the breathing system, and determining exhaled gas flow volume removed from the breathing system. The method also includes determining carbon dioxide concentration exhaled, and calculating a data indicative of a volume of carbon dioxide removed by the carbon dioxide remover from a breathing gas flow based on the determined exhaled breathing gas flow volume, the determined exhaled gas flow volume removed from the breathing system and the determined carbon dioxide concentration. The method also includes storing the calculated data indicative of the volume of carbon dioxide removed by the carbon dioxide remover, and comparing the stored calculated data with information indicative of carbon dioxide removing capacity of the carbon dioxide remover.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering humidified breathing gas to a patient are provided. The apparatus includes a humidification system configured to deliver humidified breathing gas to a patient. The humidification system includes a vapor transfer unit and a base unit. The vapor transfer unit includes a liquid passage, a breathing gas passage, and a vapor transfer device positioned to transfer vapor to the breathing gas passage from the liquid passage. The base unit includes a base unit that releasably engages the vapor transfer unit to enable reuse of the base unit and selective disposal of the vapor transfer unit. The liquid passage is not coupled to the base unit for liquid flow therebetween when the vapor transfer unit is received by the base unit.

Abstract: A liquid spray device includes a container defining a reception space for receiving a liquid medicine therein, having a discharge outlet for discharging the liquid medicine to an exterior of the container; a spray module disposed in the discharge outlet, and connected electrically to a driving source such that the liquid medicine forcefully collides against the discharge outlet due to ultrasonic oscillation of the spray module and spraying out a plurality of mist droplets; and a particle sorter disposed downstream to a discharging direction of the liquid medicine, spaced from the spray module at a predetermined distance to permit once against collision of the liquid medicine during the discharging operation such that the mist droplets are sprayed out through the particle sorter in terms of a plurality of micro-mist droplets along the discharging direction.

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: An adapter for use in a breathing circuit including a housing with a conduit having a ventilator port adapted to be coupled to a breathing circuit and a patient port adapted to communicate with a patient interface. A medicament container receptacle communicates with the conduit between the ventilator port and the patient port. The receptacle includes a support block having a well shaped to receive a valve stem extending from a container of medicament and an actuator finger extending upwardly in the receptacle adjacent the support block. The actuator finger is adapted to actuate a dose counter coupled to the container.

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 mask is included. The mask includes: a tubing portion having a fastener portion; and a face receptacle portion having a valve portion. The face receptacle portion is coupled to the tubing portion for facilitating the transfer of one or more fluids to a patient. The face receptacle has a semi-filled shape.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for storing a NO/N2 mixture in a packaging container (6) comprising an inner volume, characterized in that it holds a NO/N2 gaseous mixture containing between 1200 and 4500 ppm by volume of NO, the remainder being nitrogen, at a pressure of at least 100 bar in the inner volume of said container (6), the inner volume being less than or equal to 12 litres (water equivalent).

Abstract: Inhalers with fins that deagglomerate dry powder using inspiratory effort of a user of an inhaler. The inhaler fins, at least in steady state conditions, are configured to generate dry powder and airflow patterns having turbulence with flow vortices, some of which may have a vortex having an axis of rotation that extends in an inspiratory flow direction while others may have a vortex that is substantially orthogonal to the inspiratory flow direction in an inspiratory airflow path, as an amount of dry powder travels through the inhaler to thereby deagglomerate the dry powder without trapping undue amounts of the dry powder during inhalation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to separate Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) utilizing standard whole blood harvesting techniques and separating the solution via centrifugation preparation. A pump is provided to pump PRP/Stem Cell solution from a centrifugation reservoir in to a nebulizer to aerosolize the PRP/Stem Cell solution in the nebulizer with oxygen. A patient will then inhale the aerosolized or vaporized PRP/Stem Cell solution into their respiratory system. Removal of any waste PRP/Stem Cell solution is provided by trapping the PRP/Stem Cells and any other biological matter other in a HEPA filter and allowing exhaled gasses to safely exit the from the Semi-Rebreathing Chamber.

Abstract: A nebulizer which is a metered dose inhaler for use in administering medicaments with an associated does counter, which can, by way of a guide track or inclined plane and an associated guide element, cause an axial movement occurring on actuation of the nebulizer to be partly converted into a rotary movement for driving a counting ring, which can count both complete and incomplete actuations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatus for supplying a fluid, including but not limited to oxygen and/or medications to a non-human animal in a configuration that does not require a human to hold a component on the animal.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of therapeutically conditioned air to a patient may include a hollow flexible tube and at least one damp attached to the tube. A shape retention wire may be engaged with the tube. The apparatus may be configured to direct the therapeutically conditioned aft to a region near the patient's nose and mouth without being attached to the patient.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes a main body that has a nebulizer outlet and an air channel in communication with the nebulizer outlet. The main body supports a medicine reservoir and a mesh that engages the medicine reservoir and air channel and vibrates to atomize medicine from the medicine reservoir into the air channel for discharge through the nebulizer outlet. The nebulizer outlet and mesh are configured to be received within the oral cavity of the patient when the nebulizer is in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified nebulizing device for generating a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and addition of nebulized drug which can be carried out simultaneously and in synergy without loosing a substantial amount of nebulized drug. Further, the present invention also discloses a nebulizing device and a nebulizing attachment device usable in a system for generating continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and simultaneously and in synergy adding of nebulized drug without loosing a substantial amount of nebulized drug.

Abstract: Disclosed are a zero point calibration method and apparatus for a pressure sensor of an anesthesia machine. The method comprises: performing zero point calibration on an airway pressure sensor of the anesthesia machine (110); restarting and carrying out startup self-testing (120); and judging whether pressure change values of the airway pressure sensor and an ambient pressure sensor are the same, and if the values are the same, performing zero point calibration on the ambient pressure sensor according to a zero point of the airway pressure sensor (130). By the method of the invention, zero point calibration for a pressure sensor of an anesthesia machine can be realized via a simple operation, thereby avoiding errors in operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides DDAH modulators. Thus, the present disclosure provides a method of treating a patient suffering from a disorder characterized by excessive NO production and/or elevated DDAH activity, the method comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of a compound of one of formulae I-X. The present disclosure also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of one of formulae I-X.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for generating energized water molecules and administering same to a human or other biological subject. The system includes a humidifying apparatus, and excitation apparatus, and a control system. The system may further include a fluid management system to assist in the delivery of energized water molecules.

Abstract: A medication recording apparatus is used for motoring and recording patient's medication. The medication recording apparatus is coupled with a drug inhaler. When the patient receives a drug from the drug inhaler, a drug-supply actuation is generated. The medication recording apparatus has: a sensing module for sensing at least one type of the medication recording apparatus motion generated by the drug-supply actuation and sensing a motion data generated by the drug-supply actuation; a control and analysis module for determining if the medication recording apparatus motion is a valid medication according to the motion data and recording correct medication information corresponding to the correct medication. A medication recording method is also provided and used to analyze if the drug-supply actuation of the patient generates the valid medication and to record the correct medication information, so as to control the patient's medication status.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly includes a housing that defines an inlet port and an outlet port. A jet pump receives pressurized gas flow from the inlet port and delivers the gas flow to the outlet port. A nebulizer is fluidly coupled to the outlet port and positioned to introduce medication into the gas flow and deliver medicated gas flow to a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an inhaler having a vibration element for aerosolizing medicament contained in a blister pack, wherein individual blister packs are positioned within the housing to be simultaneously engaged with the flow channel and the vibration element. The flow channel includes a blister pack clamping surface that engages the blister pack near the top of the crown and allows the blister three rotational degrees of freedom. The advantages of this arrangement include improved consistency and higher airspeed of the synthetic jet, as well as other advantages.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers and dry powder inhaler storage cassettes including a compartment housing an elongate carrier preloaded with a plurality of doses of finely divided powder.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler includes a dose container assembly having a dose container disk with opposing upper and lower surfaces, a first row of circumferentially spaced apart dose containers at a first radius and a second row of circumferentially spaced apart dose containers at a second radius. The dose containers have dry powder therein and are sealed via a first flexible sealant over apertures in the upper surface and a second flexible sealant over apertures in the lower surface. A piercing mechanism includes two reciprocating piercers that serially alternate between the two rows of dose containers in the dose container disk. A rotatable ramp disk includes first and second sets of circumferentially spaced-apart ramp elements in staggered, concentric relationship that are configured to move the first and second piercing members between retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: For use in premature babies and infants, in particular for administering surfactant to the lungs, the inhalation therapy device described herein comprises an aerosol generating device 1, a respiratory air flow generating means 3 and a nebulising chamber 5 into which the generated liquid droplets 2 and the respiratory air flow 4 are supplied. The nebulising chamber 5 comprises a tapering area 52 which ends in a tubular intubation means 6. The intubation means 6 is designed such that the intubation end 6b can be positioned in such a manner that the liquid droplet/respiratory air mixture conveyed via the intubation means is released behind those areas of the respiratory tract that filter out to a great extent the liquid droplets from the mixture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatus for supplying a fluid, including but not limited to oxygen and/or medications to a non-human animal in a configuration that does not require a human to hold a component on the animal.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes a medicament storage module and a nebulizing unit. The medicament storage module includes an inclined bottom wall, a tubular sidewall, and a guiding part. The inclined bottom wall is inclined at an inclination angle. The tubular sidewall is connected with a periphery of the inclined bottom wall. A storage chamber is defined by the inclined bottom wall and the tubular sidewall collaboratively, and a liquid medicament is accommodated within the storage chamber. The tubular sidewall has an outlet, and the inclined bottom wall is extended downwardly to the outlet. The guiding part is arranged around a junction between the inclined bottom wall and the tubular sidewall. The nebulizing unit is disposed on the medicament storage module and aligned with the outlet. The liquid medicament outputted from the outlet is nebulized into a plurality of mist droplets by the nebulizing unit.

Abstract: An inhaler for powdery, in particular medical, substances is formed with a suction air channel, which leads to a mouthpiece. The inhaler also has a storage chamber for storing the substance and a linearly moving dosing chamber for apportioning a specified amount of substance from the storage chamber to a transfer point to the suction air flow. The aim of the invention is to obtain a structurally simple solution that makes it possible to eliminate adding an external air flow. To this end, a component of the suction air flow, which is located in the direction of extension of the dosing chamber, empties the dosing chamber.

Abstract: In various embodiments, two or more electronic flow selectors of an electronic fluid flow control system may be used to control the flow rates of multiple fluids. In a total flow control mode, a first electronic flow selector may be used to select a total flow rate of two or more fluids. A second electronic flow selector may be used to select a flow rate or ratio of a flow rate of one fluid to the total flow rate of the two or more fluids. In a direct flow control mode, each electronic flow selector may be used to select a flow rate of a unique fluid. One of the fluids may be oxygen, and the other fluid, a balance gas, may be selected as either nitrous oxide or air using an electronic balance gas selector.

Abstract: This invention provides an aerosolized inhaler which enables the drug powder to aerosolize within the inhaler by breathing in the air, comprising the main body (11) and the mouthpiece connector (12) connected thereupon, wherein the inhaler the main body (11) has drug holding opening (1), which connects with the vortex passage, and the vortex passage connects with the mouthpiece (9) on the mouthpiece connector (12). It has many obvious advantages as increasing the inhalation rate, pushing more drug granule to reach to the lower respiratory tract and even into the alveolus; and meanwhile, keeping the drug from being blown out of the inhaler when the users breathes out, preventing from cross inflection and minimizing the side effect of the drug to the whole body, and obviously lightening the burden on the users.

Abstract: An anesthesia system is disclosed herein. The anesthesia system includes a sensor configured to measure an anesthetic agent concentration, and a processor connected to the sensor. The processor is configured to generate an exponential agent model based on the measured anesthetic agent concentration. The exponential agent model represents a plurality of future anesthetic agent concentrations.

Abstract: A nebulizer mouthpiece includes a hollow main body and a connecting tube. The main body is a one-piece element, and includes an annular wall defining an inner space and having a middle section, an outlet section, and a storage section connected respectively to two ends of the middle section. The middle section has an inner diameter not smaller than 30 mm. The connecting tube is adapted for interconnecting the middle section and a liquid container, and surrounding a central axis. A distance between the central axis and a distal end of the storage section is not greater than three times the inner diameter. Liquid received in the liquid container is turned into mist and introduced into the inner space through the connecting tube.

Abstract: An anesthetic container includes an anesthetic receptacle and a valve assembly attachable to the receptacle. The valve assembly includes a valve seat with a first sloped surface and a valve member with a second sloped surface, the first and second sloped surfaces having different slopes. The first and second sloped surfaces abut each other to form a gasketless, fluid-tight seal therebetween with the valve assembly in a closed configuration. The valve member is spaced from the valve seat in an open configuration to permit the flow of the anesthetic from the receptacle. The valve assembly may also include an exterior groove and a toroidal sealing member disposed in the groove, the toroidal sealing member having an X-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A device for use with an inhaler spacer to improve compliance with a medicament dosage regime. The device comprises a display, detection means for detecting indications of successful inhalations by a patient using an inhaler spacer and a memory storing computer readable instructions. The computer readable instructions are configured to present at least one incentive graphic on said display, and to update the incentive graphic in response to detection of an indication of a successful inhalation by the detection means.