Abstract: A spirometer coupled to a manual resuscitator. An air tube in the spirometer has a converging section, a laminar flow section and a pressure recovery section. A microcontroller and a display of expiratory flow parameters is provided.

Abstract: A method and system of individually controlling positive airway pressure of a patient's nares. Some exemplary embodiments may be a method comprising applying therapeutic gas pressure within a first naris of a patient during respiration, and applying therapeutic gas pressure within a second naris of the patient during the respiration. The therapeutic gas pressures applied to each naris are different.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dosing pre-set quantities of gas, wherein the addition of known quantities of gas is required. The apparatus is designed to dosify gases in variable quantities, with temperature correction. The apparatus and the method is mainly applied to the gasification of containers used to transport foodstuffs, which must be kept at a controlled environment in order to better preserve them.

Abstract: A pneumatic oxygen conserving device uses a portion of gas exiting its main valve to interrupt delivery of the gas. Gas is dispensed upon inhalation and is interrupted by means of suitable pneumatic connections between the device's delivery system and its sensing system.

Abstract: A valve device, particularly for a breathing regulator for divers, including an inlet chamber which can be connected to a source of gas under super-atmospheric pressure, and an outlet chamber which is under a regulated pressure. A seating, which is movable under the influence of the super-atmospheric pressure and the regulated pressure, seals between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber and has a through-passing passageway that interconnects the chambers. Also included is a valve body which is movably arranged in the seating such as to open and close the through-passing passageway in the seating. A servo element exerts on the valve body a force that depends on the position of the movable seating, so that varying force-influence on the valve body from the super-atmospheric pressure will be compensated for by a corresponding varying force from the servo element. This results in an essentially constant valve characteristic, while providing a mechanically simple solution at the same time.

Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure gas cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve is provided with first and second valves located within a housing and integrating a pressurization orifice. The initial opening of the valve in an axial direction enables gas to flow through the pressurization orifice at a first flow rate. The full opening of the valve in the axial direction enables the gas to flow through the second valve at a second flow rate, which is much higher than the first flow rate. The controlled pressurization of the gas through the orifice delays the time during which the gas reaches full recompression.

Abstract: A pneumatic nebulizer for the delivery of medications that produces aerosol mist in a downward direction. A gas inlet introduces a high velocity gas that passes through a venturi orifice producing a venture effect. A liquid stored in a reservoir is drawn into the orifice, atomizing forming droplets. The droplets are further atomized by hitting a baffle. The mist formed substantially circumscribes the baffle.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance device may include a tube that forms a main channel for connecting a distal end of the tube to a respiratory airway of a patient, such that the main channel connects the respiratory system of the patient to the outside. The device may also include an auxiliary channel, for connecting to a source of breathable gas to blow a ventilating gas stream into the patient's respiratory system. This auxiliary channel emerges in the main channel by a distal orifice arranged in front of a distal end of the main channel. A deflecting device may be provided, facing the distal orifice of the auxiliary channel, for deflecting the ventilating breathable gas stream toward the axis of the main channel. Also, a communication device, between the deflecting device and the distal end of the main channel, may be included for opening and closing a passageway.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a medicine to a patient via the patient's respiratory system with control and efficiency. A nebulization catheter is positioned in the patient's respiratory system so that a distal end of the nebulization catheter is in the respiratory system and a proximal end is outside the body. In a first aspect, the nebulization catheter may be used in conjunction with an endotracheal tube and preferably is removable from the endotracheal tube. The nebulization catheter conveys medicine in liquid form to the distal end at which location the medicine is nebulized by a pressurized gas or other nebulizing mechanism. The nebulized medicine is conveyed to the patient's lungs by the patient's respiration which may be assisted by a ventilator. By producing the aerosol of the liquid medicine at a location inside the patient's respiratory system, the nebulizing catheter provides for increased efficiency and control of the dosage of medicine being delivered.

Abstract: An oxygen mask assembly including an oxygen dilutor assembly with air inlet apertures located in a top wall thereof for diluting the oxygen flowing therethrough. In one embodiment, the mask assembly additionally includes an air reservoir bag assembly, a one-way inhalation valve for maintaining continuous positive airway pressure in the mask and a pressure valve on the mask for adjusting the air pressure in the mask.

Abstract: An artificial respiration apparatus includes a frame having a positive pressure input port, a negative pressure input port, an atmospheric port and an output port. A switching member switches between a first state in which the positive pressure input port is connected to the output port while the negative pressure input port is connected to the atmospheric port, and a second state in which the positive pressure input port is connected to the atmospheric port while the negative pressure input port is connected to the output port. A drive unit successively drives the switching operation of the switching member such that the connection between the negative pressure input port and the atmospheric port slightly precedes the connection between the positive pressure input port and the output port.

Abstract: A spontaneous breathing apparatus and method. The apparatus includes: a source of oxygen containing gas (7); a catheter (5) in flow communication with the source of oxygen containing gas (7) and configured to be introduced into a subject's trachea (1) through a tracheostomy for delivering oxygen containing gas therein; a tracheostomy tube (9) disposed adjacent the catheter (5) and having one end configured to be disposed in the subject's trachea (1); and a pressure actuated threshold valve (32) connected to another end of the tracheostomy tube (9), the valve (32) being configured for venting a gas existing within the subject's trachea (1) at the one end of the tracheostomy tube (9) when the gas exceeds a threshold pressure of the valve (32), the valve (32) thereby being effective for reducing pressure within the subject's trachea 1) when the pressure within the subject's trachea (1) exceeds the threshold pressure.

Abstract: A CPAP controller that supplies oxygen enriched air to a respiratory circuit that utilizes a venturi-jet arrangement within a chamber, which enriches ambient air. Ambient air is drawn into the chamber by a primary oxygen flow source via an oxygen jet that directs oxygen into the venturi. Besides the conventional ability to adjust oxygen/air ratio via changes in the primary oxygen flow source's flow rate adjustment, the oxygen/air ratio may be altered by way of a secondary oxygen supply and its own flow control adjustment that is independent of the primary oxygen source and its adjustment mechanism. Hence the oxygen/air ratio may be adjusted independently of the primary oxygen source's flow rate. The controller further includes a pressure adjustment mechanism that allows the user to adjust pressure to the demand and/or need of the patient.

Abstract: A high frequency pressure oscillation device that selective restricts the flow of breathing gas to or from a patient to produce pressure spikes in the patient's airway that facilitate clearing secretions from the patient's airway. The device includes a patient circuit that defines a closed path between a source of breathing gas and the patient's airway. A valve is disposed in the patient circuit such that in an open position the path between the source of breathing gas and the airway of the patient is substantially unobstructed. When the valve is in a closed position, the path between the source of breathing gas and the patient's airway is at least partially obstructed to create the pressure spikes. An actuating system associated with the valve alternatively places the valve in the open position and in the closed position at a predetermined oscillation rate that is independent of patient effort.

Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure oxygen cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve also may be used for other purposes. The surge prevention valve may have a housing with an inlet and an outlet. A seal unit may be used to close the main flow path from the inlet to the outlet, and a bleed passageway may be provided in the seal unit to bypass the main flow path. The valve may have an actuator for opening the bleed passageway and for moving the seal unit to open the main flow path. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a manual push-then-turn operation is used to open the valve. The actuator may be used to threadedly move the seal unit toward and away from the valve seat to close and open the main flow path. In addition, a valve rod may be provided for closing the bleed passageway.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the tube (4) comprises, downstream of the deflection means (14b), at least one distribution orifice (20D) which opens into the main channel (5) opposite the oblong pressure zone (18) and which can be supplied with a medical fluid (35).

Abstract: An intermittent positive pressure breathing device for neonatal infants. The device is connected to a supply of pressurized oxygen supplied through a first conduit. The first conduit terminates in a venturi nozzle by which ambient air is entrained so that a mixture of oxygen and ambient air at a desired concentration is delivered along a second conduit towards the mouth of the neonate. The second conduit terminates in a mask having a first aperture disposed adjacent the mouth of the neonate in a sealing relationship and a second aperture which is repeatedly and rhythmically covered by the operator to initiate a conventional breathing pattern for the neonate. A one way valve upstream of the venturi nozzle opens when the venturi nozzle induces a lower than atmospheric pressure in the device and automatically closes when the pressure in the device is increased by the operator closing off the second aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for delivering an anaesthetic to human or animal patients. The apparatus comprises an anaesthetic machine which is arranged to mount components of an anaesthetic delivery circuit, and which includes a collector arrangement in the form of a manifold (21) having a plurality of inlets and outlets. The manifold (21) enables a reduction in the number of tubes connecting the various components in an anaesthetic system, which are normally required in prior art anaesthetic machines. The manifold (21) also includes an arrangement (40) which provides a Venturi effect on gas flow, and enables a pressure gauge (18) to be mounted out of a patient breathing circuit. The machine is preferably portable.

Abstract: A unitary breathing head device for administering intermittent percussive ventilation to a patient having an airway and for use with an IPV device having a source of continuous gas flow and having a source of pulsed gases comprising a combination injector and exhalation valve assembly comprising a main body having an airway port for communication with the airway of the patient and having proximal and distal extremities and a flow passage extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. The main body has a depending portion forming a plenum chamber in communication with the flow passage in the main body. A nebulizer is removably secured to the depending portion of the main body and has a nebulizer chamber in communication with the plenum chamber. The depending portion of the main body and the nebulizer form a handle adapted to be gripped by the hand of the patient holding the breathing head assembly.

Abstract: A multiple functionality pneumatically controlled medical ventilator provides precision regulation of tidal/forced breathing, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)-based spontaneous breathing capability. The ventilator includes a patient breathing gas coupler that is adapted to be coupled to a patient airway breathing interface, and an input port to which a pressurized breathing gas is coupled, A pressure regulator supplies breathing gas at a positive pressure sufficiently higher than nominal lung pressure to prevent collapse of the patient's lungs. A tidal breathing gas supply unit periodically generates a volume-regulated tidal breathing gas for application to the patient airway breathing interface, while the CPAP valve supplies a pressure-regulated breathing gas to the patient airway breathing interface, in response to a patient demand for breathing gas that is exclusive of the tidal breathing supply.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings include a respiratory system for automatically and variably controlling the supply of a pressurized breathing gas to a patient via a breathing circuit that is in fluid communication with the lungs of the patient. The respiratory system has a demand valve in fluid communication with a source of pressurized gas. The demand valve is switchable between a open position, in which an inhalation conduit of the breathing circuit is in fluid communication with the source of pressurized gas, and a closed position, in which the inhalation conduit is not in fluid communication with the source of pressurized gas. The demand valve is proportionally moveable between the open and closed positions in response to a pressure within a reference chamber which is in fluid communication with the trachea of the patient.

Abstract: A method and device are provided to generate an aerosol having a desired particle sizes, i.e., from molecular to about 10 microns, which can be used to effectively deliver a physiologically active compound to organs and tissues such as the lung, eye, mucosa and skin. The aerosol is formed through vaporization of the compound while simultaneously mixing the resulting vapor with air or other gas. The purity of the compound is maintained meet FDA requirements by closely controlling its degradant levels during vaporization.

Abstract: A system is disclosed comprising a high pressure gases source: for example a compressor, a low cross section conduit adapted to convey gases from the compressor, and a patient interface delivering gases to the patient. The patient interface includes valve member which is substantially closed during inspiration and venting externally during expiration. The combination of the low cross section and lightweight conduit and the valve member result in increased patient comfort.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a breathing gas to a patient has a gas supply for generating a flow of breathable gas during an inspiration and an expiration phase of a patient breathing cycle. An inspiration line is provided having an inlet through which a flow of breathing gas from the supply can pass as well as an expiration line through which an expiration gas from the patient can flow. A flow controller is provided for selecting, during an inspiration phase, a first flow path for gas from the supply into the inlet and for selecting, during the expiration phase, a second flow path for gas from the supply in a direction across a venturi outlet of the expiration line, to enhance removal of expiration gas therefrom by venturi suction.

Abstract: A fluid sensing device includes a venturi tube and a fluid resistive element. The venturi tube defines a first open end through which a flow of fluid enters, a second open end from which fluid flow exits and a constricted midportion therebetween. The fluid resistive element is located within the venturi tube. In combination with the tube, the fluid resistive element measures flow for accurate sensing of the flow over a range of fluid flow into the tube. A labeled fluid sensing device, includes a fluid flow sensing tube and a label. The label has a first panel secured to a surface of the tube and a second optically sensable panel removably connected to the first panel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings include a respiratory system for automatically and variably controlling the supply of a pressurized breathing gas to a patient via a breathing circuit that is in fluid communication with the lungs of the patient. The respiratory system has a demand valve in fluid communication with a source of pressurized gas. The demand valve is switchable between a open position, in which an inhalation conduit of the breathing circuit is in fluid communication with the source of pressurized gas, and a closed position, in which the inhalation conduit is not in fluid communication with the source of pressurized gas. The demand valve is proportionally moveable between the open and closed positions in response to a pressure within a reference chamber which is in fluid communication with the trachea of the patient.

Abstract: An intermittent positive pressure breathing device for neonatal infants is disclosed. The device is adapted to be connected to a supply of pressurized substantially pure Oxygen which is supplied through a first conduit of the device. Said first conduit terminates inside the device in a venturi nozzle by virtue of which ambient air is entrained so that a mixture of Oxygen and ambient air at a desired concentration is delivered along a second conduit of the device towards the mouth of the neonate. The second conduit terminates in a mask having a first aperture which is adapted to be disposed adjacent the mouth of the neonate in sealing relationship therewith, and a second aperture approximately the size of a thumb which can be repeatedly and rhythmically covered by the operator of the device to initiate a conventional breathing pattern for the neonate.

Abstract: A tubular respiratory assistance device which forms the wall of a main channel and is intended to be connected by its distal end to a patient's airway, so that the main channel connects the patient's respiratory system to the outside, and which has at least one auxiliary channel which is associated with deflection means for injecting a respiratory gas jet which is deflected toward the interior of the main channel and is intended to ventilate the patient. The tubular respiratory assistance device also has an annular chamber arranged at the periphery of it, coaxially with it on its distal end, and a distal annular orifice, the annular chamber communicating with the patient's respiratory system by means of the distal annular orifice and being provided with means for connection to the outside. Also, a respiratory assistance mask intended to be fitted to a patient's face which has this tubular respiratory assistance device for inlet and outlet of respiratory gas.

Abstract: An improved continuous positive airway pressure therapy device including a ring orifice through which compressed air or oxygen is introduced to effectively amplify the air flow to the patient by drawing ambient air into the device inlet for maintaining a continuous positive pressure of a patient's lungs during all portions of the breathing cycle.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance device, includes an inhalation branch (2) which is permanently connected, at its upstream end, to a first source (1) of a flow of pressurized gas and, at its downstream end, to a user's airway; at least a first (9) and a second (3) exhalation valve, these being arranged on the respiratory branch (2) and controlled so that they are closed during the inhalation phase; a detection unit (10) which, in proximity to the downstream end of the inhalation branch, detects the user's respiratory activity and sends a respiratory-activity data item to drive element (12), the drive element (12) controlling the first gas flow source (1) in such a way as to deliver a gas stream with substantially constant non-zero flow rate to the inhalation branch (2) throughout the exhalation phase.