Abstract: A breathing apparatus for an aircraft crew member has a breathing mask provided with a demand regulator and connected to a source of breathing gas, such as a pressurized oxygen cylinder or preferably an OBOGS. The apparatus includes an individual buffer plenum specific to the mask on a line for feeding the regulator of the mask from the source. The volume of the plenum is sufficient to provide for at least two typical breaths of the mask wearer in succession. A non-return check valve is located between the plenum and the source.

Abstract: A pressurized gas supply system includes a pressurized container which expands and contracts. The container includes a one-piece liner molded from a polymer which is reinforced by a high tensile fiber such as KEVLAR®. A valve is molded into the liner, and a regulator is connected to the valve. A hose, having a conserver positioned therealong, extends between the regulator and a fitting allowing a user to inhale gas from the container. The container is carried in a carrying bag, which can be in the form of a carrying case, a purse, or a back-pack.

Abstract: A pressure regulator suitable for use as a breathing demand valve in self-contained breathing equipment comprising a first chamber incorporating an inlet port having an inlet valve therein, preferably in the form of a poppet valve and biased so as to seal of the inlet port, and separated from a second chamber by a diaphragm. The diaphragm co-operates with the end of a stem extending from the poppet valve member of the inlet valve such that, upon inhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected towards the inlet valve and exerts a force on the poppet valve stem sufficient to open the poppet valve and, upon exhalation by the user, the diaphragm is deflected away form the inlet valve so that the diaphragm no longer contacts the end of the poppet valve stem and the inlet valve closes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting the respiratory activity of a person and for controlling the time progression of breathing gas pressure, especially in accordance with physical parameters and considering parameters indicating the momentary physiological condition of the breathing person. According to the invention, the device for detecting the respiratory activity of a person has at least one first device that provides a first signal indicating the breathing gas flow v, wherein at least one signal processing device is provided for processing said first signal. The signal processing device is configured in such a way that said device determines a reference relation on the basis of a first signal detected during a first time interval. On the basis thereof, said device determines a correlation relation between the reference relation and the first signal.

Abstract: A method and system for breathing gas heat exchange for use with an underwater pressurized gas source connected to a breathing apparatus comprising a length of tubing sufficient in diameter and length to allow heat exchange of expanding gas from the pressurized source to the breathing apparatus in order to substantially increase the temperature of the expanding gas. The tubing being made of a heat conducting material and being wholly unenclosed and open for contact with ambient fluid within which the method and system is used.

Abstract: A portable positive pressure breathing apparatus includes a demand valve with a supply inlet port adapted to be connected to a pressurized source of oxygen and an outlet port adapted to be connected to the inlet of a patient's breathing appliance. The demand valve further includes a reference chamber and a valve assembly responsive to the reference chamber/appliance inlet pressure differential for connecting/disconnecting the inlet port to and from the outlet port. At least one manually adjustable back pressure regulator is connected to the pressure source and the reference chamber for setting the pressure in the reference chamber (and inlet to the breathing appliance) at a selected level above atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method for purging an undesired fluid, such as NO2, from a fluid gas administration system, such as an NO gas administration system. In normal operation, the system supplies NO to the patient with the breathing gases inspired during the inspiration phase of the respiratory cycle. Breathing gases are expired during the expiration phase of the respiratory cycle. In the method, the expiration phase of the patient's respiratory cycle is sensed and the administration system is operated in the expiration phase to pass NO through the system to flush out the system, including any NO2 present, into the expired breathing gases of the patient. Since the contents of the system are discharged during the expiration phase, the NO2 gas so removed is carried away from the patient with the expired breathing gases.

Abstract: A ventilation system including a manifold fluidly connectable at an inlet thereof to a pressurized source of a driving gas, the manifold having a plurality of branches, an electronically controlled valve fluidly connected to each branch downstream of the inlet of the manifold, a ventilator fluidly connected to each of the branches downstream of the valves, each ventilator being operative to force a driving gas into lungs of a patient, and a controller in electrical communication with the valves, the controller operating the valves in accordance with an operating cycle including: a) causing a driving gas to flow through one of the ventilators while substantially preventing flow of the driving gas through the other ventilators, b) causing the driving gas to flow to another one of the ventilators which previously had no driving gas flowing therethrough, while substantially preventing flow of the driving gas through the other ventilators including the ventilator which previously had the driving gas flowing theret

Abstract: Triplicate Diving Gas Valve Device, comprising: a siren unit, a Life Coat Inflation unit and a User's Respiration Unit. The Siren drives its alarm sounding by reciprocating pounding of piston in a cylinder, by reason of this, the siren will serve its purpose ready submerged in waters or on the surface. The Gas Valve can be used in combination with both the Life Coat and the Respiration Mouthpiece, it can be manipulated manually using one hand expeditiously for triplicate services including: Life Coat Inflation/Deflation, siren alarming appealing for Help, and Respiration-charged air-compression. At a suitable location in the Respiration Mouthpiece is positioned a Flow Division Block serving to block compressed gas that is supplied from the Compression Cylinder, so that the compressed gas is split to pass to flanks on both sides, in that manner safeguarded from charging straight into Diver's throat, so that the diver is relieved from any discomfort while breathing all the while.

Abstract: A ventilatory support system which controls the flow of breathing gas to a patient based on the physiological requirements of the patient is disclosed. Gas pressure in the trachea of the patient is measured, and the delivery of breathing gas to the patient is controlled based on the sensed gas pressure. Depending on the physiological needs of the patient, a tracheal gas pressure limit and a breathing gas flow rate value are established. When the tracheal gas pressure limit is reached, the flow of breathing gas is reduced or terminated. The flow of breathing gas is resumed, for example, after a delay period, or after the tracheal gas pressure falls to a predetermined level.

Abstract: Regulator for underwater breathing devices including a relatively hard material box-like body having a pipe for the connection with a mouthpiece, at least one air inlet duct and at least one opening on which it is positioned one air exhaust valve; in said regulator the box-like body is externally covered by at least one layer of a suitably shaped relatively soft material.

Abstract: Regulator for underwater breathing apparatus including: a box-like body having a mouthpiece; an air inlet duct connected to said box-like body through an inlet valve; one or more exhaust ducts connected to said box-like body; a flexible diaphragm frontally positioned on the opposite side as to said mouthpiece and co-operating with an opening or closing lever of said inlet valve, said regulator includes means manually workable from the outside and movable from an active position, where they limit the moving of the said lever to the inside of the said box-like body, to an inactive position where they allow said lever a complete transfer movement to the inside of said box-like body.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a medical oxygen concentrator for supplying oxygen enriched air to a patient and to a cylinder filler. The apparatus includes a flow control valve which is controlled by a control circuit to deliver doses of oxygen enriched air to a patient during at least a portion of the patient's inhalation and to deliver oxygen enriched air to a circuit for filling a portable oxygen cylinder during the remainder of the time. In the event of a failure of the control circuit, the flow control valve delivers a continuous flow of oxygen enriched air to the patient. In the event of a failure of the oxygen concentrator, oxygen enriched air stored in the oxygen cylinder may be delivered to the patient.

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 system and method of controlling the termination of the inhalation phase in a pressure support ventilation system is disclosed, in which an expiratory trigger sensitivity, or ratio of inspiratory flow rate to peak inspiratory flow rate at which the inspiration phase is terminated, is varied in proportion to variations in a calculated respiratory time constant. The system includes sensors for monitoring pressure and flow of gas during each breath, and, based on the sensor outputs, calculates the respiratory time constant for one breath or a series of breaths. The expiratory trigger sensitivity is automatically increased with increasing patient respiratory time constant, providing a closed loop control of expiratory trigger sensitivity. The expiratory trigger sensitivity may also be varied in response to changes in supra-plateau pressure.

Abstract: An oxygen delivery and gas sensing nasal cannula system, comprising a main prong assembly and a pair of nasal prongs. There is also provided a pair of oxygen conduit tubes and a main oxygen delivery tube. There is also provided an adjustment sleeve to adjust the fit of the cannula system on a patient's head. There is also included a gas sampling, a gas sampling conduit end piece and a flared main oxygen delivery tube end piece to be receivably coupled to an oxygen supply.

Abstract: A combination flow regulator and conservation device, for oxygen gas or oxygen concentrated gas, attachable to an oxygen tank or wall outlet of a master oxygen system and containing a gas regulator and a control circuit to control both the effective rate and timing of the flow of gas through the device, the control circuit selectively controlling the device to supply the gas to a user in one of at least three selectable modes of operation, the modes including (1) a continuous flow of gas, (2) an intermittent pulse of gas to be supplied on every inhalation stage of the breathing cycle of the user for a variable period of time during the inhalation stage, and (3) an intermittent pulse of gas to be supplied only during selectable inhalation stages of the breathing cycles of the user.

Abstract: Respiratory equipment coupled in interruptible fluid communication between a recipient and a source of pressurized respiratory gas and adapted for controlling delivery of the pressurized gas to the recipient as the recipient inhales and exhales. The equipment includes a supply valve and a sensing valve cooperable to intermittently deliver pressurized gas to the recipient responsive to the recipient's inhalation and exhalation. A regulator mechanism is disposed between and in fluid communication with the pressurized gas source and the supply valve. The equipment may include a control device for controlling flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source to the supply valve and from the pressurized gas source to the regulator mechanism. The control device also controls the pressure of pressurized gas discharged by the regulator mechanism. At least one adjustable device limits movement of a sensing valve diaphragm member responsive to the recipient's inhalation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the pressure within a waterproof case relative to the external ambient pressure of the source of pressurizing gas. The pressurizing gas is supplied by a variable volume reservoir pneumatically connected to the case and control is maintained by positioning the case relative to the plain of the source of pressurizing gas. When the reservoir of pressurizing gas is reduced in volume by an increase in ambient water pressure to thereby increase the internal pressure of the system according to Boyle's Law, the pressure increase is coupled to the waterproof case. Thus if the waterproof case is positioned below the reservoir, the pressure within the case will be less than ambient. Conversely, if the case is positioned above the reservoir, the pressure within the case will be greater than ambient. The preferred gas reservoir is the diver's rebreather or buoyancy compensation system.

Abstract: An oxygen conserver having sensing and delivery ports simultaneously connected with a patient by a dual cannula. Inhalation by a patient produces a partial vacuum to move a sensing diaphragm to a venting position and cause a delivery diaphragm to move to an open position for supplying oxygen to the patient through the delivery port. A manually operable control valve enables continuous oxygen flow through the delivery port independently of operation of the sensing diaphragm.

Abstract: Aerosolizable formulations are disclosed comprised of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, a pharmaceutically active drug or detectably labeled compound and a compound which is recognized by its distinct color, taste and/or smell even when present in a small amount and a low concentration. Examples of such compounds include menthol, peppermint, cinnamon and vanilla flavors and water soluble dyes. The compounds can be designed so that they are only detectable by a specific area of the tongue or seen under a certain wavelength of light. The degree of detection of the color, taste or smell of the compound is an indication of the degree of success in the delivery of an aerosolized formulation to a patient. The formulation is preferably delivered from a device which monitors and records information relating to the patient's respiratory movement and also scans and analyzes the aerosol prior to inhalation.

Abstract: An actuator for an inhaler for delivering medicament by inhalation, comprising: a housing (22) which defines a cavity (34) for receiving a canister (8) which comprises a body (10) which defines a chamber containing medicament and a valve stem (13) which extends from the body (10), the body (10) and the valve stem (13) of the canister (8) being relatively movable between a first, non-actuated position in which the canister (8) is closed and a second, actuated position in which the canister (8) is open; a nozzle block (24) for receiving the valve stem (13) of the canister (8); a mouthpiece (21) for providing medicament from the nozzle block (24) to the mouth of a user; a locking mechanism (16) for selectively locking the canister (8) in the non-actuated position, which locking mechanism (16) when released allows for the actuation of the canister (8); and a loading mechanism (18) which comprises a biasing element (134) for loading one of the body (10) or the valve stem (13) of the canister (8) with an actuating

Abstract: A self contained breathing apparatus includes a pressure vessel which holds a supply of breathing air. The pressure vessel is in fluid communication through a first stage pressure regulator with a second stage breathing regulator. The breathing regulator is operatively connected to a user face mask. When the pressure available in the supply is at a suitable pressure, the pressure regulator provides pressure to breathing regulator at a first pressure. When the pressure in the supply falls to a value indicative of impending depletion of the air supply, a transfer piston in a step up vale shifts. A change in condition of the step up valve causes a step up piston to increase the output pressure from regulator. This increased pressure moves a sensing piston and causes indicating devices in an alarm circuit to be activated. In alternative embodiments, an electronic alarm module may be used.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling gas delivery to a patient is disclosed, wherein delivery is adapted to maintain a physiological sleep state. The apparatus includes a monitoring device that monitors EEG, EOG, EMG, patient position and patient breathing. The apparatus also contains a microprocessor, which is programmed to derive sleep state specific indicators from the data received by the monitoring device and to determine if the sleep state is in a stable or deteriorating phase, where upon gas pressure will be automatically adjusted to maintain the sleep state if desired. The microprocessor is programmed with a unique automatic sleep staging algorithm and a gas pressure seek algorithm which work together to automatically adjust delivered respiratory gas pressure to a user based upon the determined sleep state and the sleep states condition.

Abstract: An oxygen-delivery system comprises a portable oxygen meter including a low-pressure oxygen inlet, a low-pressure oxygen outlet, and an exhale-inhale sensing port, an oxygen-supply source including a discharge outlet and configured to discharge low-pressure oxygen through the discharge outlet, a flexible supply tube arranged to conduct low-pressure oxygen from the oxygen-supply source into the portable oxygen meter through the low-pressure oxygen inlet, and a nasal cannula coupled to the low-pressure oxygen outlet and the exhale-inhale sensing port.

Abstract: Pneumatically operated gas demand equipment coupled in interruptible fluid communication between a recipient and a source of pressurized respiratory gas and adapted for controlling delivery of the pressurized gas to the recipient as the recipient inhales and exhales. The equipment includes a supply valve and a sensing valve cooperable to intermittently deliver pressurized gas to the recipient responsive to the recipient's inhalation and exhalation. A regulator mechanism is disposed between and in fluid communication with the pressurized gas source and the supply valve. The equipment additionally includes a control device for controlling flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source to the supply valve and from the pressurized gas source to the regulator mechanism. The control device also controls the pressure of pressurized gas discharged by the regulator mechanism.

Abstract: CPAP treatment apparatus having a controllable flow generator operable to produce breathable gas at a treatment pressure elevated above atmosphere to a patient by a delivery tube coupled to a mask having a connection with a patient's airway. A sensor generates a signal representative of patient respiratory flow that is provided to a controller. The controller is operable to determine the occurrence of an apnea from a reduction in respiratory airflow below a threshold, and if an apnea has occurred, to determine the duration of the apnea and to cause the flow generator to increase the treatment pressure by an amount which is an increasing function of the duration of the apnea, and a decreasing function of the treatment pressure immediately before the apnea.

Abstract: A pneumatic oxygen conserver for providing oxygen to a patient. The conserver includes a body having a cavity and a main diaphragm dividing the cavity into first and second chambers. A first inlet passage delivers oxygen from an oxygen supply to the first chamber, and a second inlet passage delivers oxygen from the supply to the second chamber. An outlet passage delivers oxygen from the first chamber to the patient. The main diaphragm is movable between a closed position to prevent oxygen flow through the outlet passage and an open position to permit such flow. Vent passaging vents the second chamber. A pressure sensitive valve is connectable to the patient for permitting flow through the vent passaging when the patient inhales and preventing flow through the vent passaging when the patient exhales.

Abstract: A process and system are provided for controlling a respirator with a breathing circuit (2), an inspiration branch (10) and an expiration branch (12), in which the gas components needed for the respiration are fed in by a fresh gas metering device (20) via a fresh gas line (9), as a result of which at least the amount of breathing gas consumed can be replenished. A breathing gas delivery unit (1) is provided in the inspiration branch (10) and with a volume flow sensor (13) in the expiration branch (12). The fresh gas utilization of the respirator is improved and the process and system reduces the resistances in the breathing circuit (2) for the patient (3) by the breathing gas delivery unit (1) being returned during the phase of expiration at a speed that depends on the volume flow that is measured by the volume flow sensor (13).

Abstract: Distributor for underwater breathing apparatus, comprising: a box-shaped body housing a device for regulating the air flow coming from a source of pressurized air; a tube connected to said box-shaped body and showing a mouthpiece; an air intake duct connected to said box-shaped body by means of an intake valve; and one or more discharge ducts connected to said box-shaped body. Within said air intake duct means are arranged which induce to rotation the air flow coming from the source of pressurized air, thus reducing its intake speed into the tube connected to the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A CPAP treatment apparatus has a patient mask is coupled to an air delivery conduit. The air delivery conduit is coupled to an impeller and motor, collectively forming a blower arrangement for providing a positive pressure of air to the conduit. A controller receives a signal representing respiratory flow. The controller is operable to cause the blower to supply an inspiratory phase pressure and an expiratory phase pressure. The controller selectively triggers generation of a pressure intermediate of the inspiratory phase and expiratory phase pressures for a period of time as a transitional state upon the first flow threshold being crossed. The controller also selectively triggers generation of a pressure intermediate of the expiratory phase and inspiratory phase pressures for a period of time as a transitional state upon the second flow threshold being crossed.

Abstract: A balanced breathing loop for a rebreather is disclosed which includes a system of components that interact to provide substantial safety and alarm awareness benefits over existing methodology in recirculating breathing apparatus loops. The device relies on a specific arrangement of components to create both automatic alternate delivery of gas to replace metabolized oxygen in case of single component failures and breathing characteristic changes that warn the user that a component failure has occurred. The breathing characteristic changes allow the user to identify which specific component has failed, thus allowing for immediate corrective action.

Abstract: A scuba diving regulator includes a casing, a mouth piece, an air valve unit, an audio unit, a nozzle unit, an air charge unit and an air discharge unit. The casing has an alarm connector, a whistle connector linearly aligned with the alarm connector and a mouth piece connector for engaging with the mouth piece. The casing includes therein a longitudinal chamber adjacent a body. The air valve unit engages with the alarm connector and includes an alarm valve, an elastic member and a push button engaged with the elastic member for open or close the alarm valve. The audio unit engages with the whistle connector and includes a cylinder, an impact member located in the cylinder and a piston reciprocally movable in the cylinder for hitting the impact member to produce audio alarm sound. The nozzle unit is held in the casing and is screwed and sealed in the chamber by means of the screw member and a seal ring, and includes an air flow member which engages with the alarm valve.

Abstract: Method for the evaluation of the diving air time for a scuba diver equipped with bottles and with a computer for diving, comprising the following steps:

Abstract: A supplied air snorkeling system includes an air tank, at least one regulator coupled to the air tank and including a mouthpiece through which air from the tank is provided and a supplied air snorkeling vest. The vest includes a back portion, a front portion, a head opening and a tank holder. The back portion is configured to extend along a snorkeler's back when the vest is worn and includes at least one layer of floatation material. The front portion is pivotally coupled to the back portion and includes a main body having at least one layer of floatation material and shoulder extensions extending from the main body to the back portion. The main body is configured to extend laterally across the snorkeler's chest proximate to the snorkeler's clavicle and the across the snorkeler's sternum body. The head opening is formed at a juncture of the back portion and the front portion.

Abstract: A variable volume ratio compound counterlung is disclosed for use with a semi-closed circuit breathing apparatus. The compound counterlung generally comprises a flexible bag member disposed within an outer counterlung member. The flexible bag member and the outer counterlung member are in communication with an exhaled gas area of a breathing loop. The flexible bag member having first and second ends which are attached to said outer counterlung. A pair of depth sensors operatively associated with the flexible bag member are provided to vary the volume of said flexible bag member with changes in depth. The flexible bag member is driven by the outer counterlung to discharge gas stored within the flexible bag member depending on the diver's respiratory minute volume. The collapsing of said outer counterlung member also returns gas stored within the outer counterlung back into the breathing loop.

Abstract: A regulator includes a box-like body containing a device for regulating the flow of air. A tube connected to the box-like body carries a mouthpiece. An air inlet hose is connected to the box-like body by means of an inlet valve. This valve is controlled by the regulating device. One or more exhaust hoses are connected to the box-like body. A tube formed integrally within the box-like body of the regulator bypasses the chamber of the regulating device.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus is described, having a breathing circuit comprising a mouthpiece and one or more gas carrying conduits, a compressed gas source and a counterlung. The compressed gas source is in communication with the counterlung via the breathing circuit. The counterlung has an expansion assisting means and a contraction assisting means, and a control allows selective activation of the expansion assisting means and the contraction assisting means. The counterlung has primary and secondary chambers, and inflation of the secondary chamber causes inflation of the primary chamber. The expansion assisting means is a flow of compressed gas to inflate the secondary chamber.

Abstract: A pressure control apparatus (10) for CPAP treatment or assisted respiration. The apparatus (10) includes an inlet chamber (20) for connection to a primary supply of air or other breathable gas at a pressure at or above a maximum treatment pressure, an outlet chamber (30) for communication with a mask (14) or the like, a diaphragm (32) for communication with a portion of the outlet chamber (30), means (22) to provide a predetermined force to the diaphragm (32), a first valve means (36) operable to open a flow path between the outlet chamber (30) and the inlet chamber (20) in response to deflection of the diaphragm (32) in a first direction and a second valve means (40) operable to provide an exhaust path from the outlet chamber (30) to atmosphere in response to deflection of the diaphragm (32) in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A patient ventilator system for automatically weaning a patient from a ventilator.

Abstract: A respirator with an inhalation line (3), an exhalation line (5) with an exhalation valve (6), with a pressure-measuring device (8) for measuring the airway pressure, and with a circuit (7) for controlling the phases of breathing. The circuit is connected at least to the exhalation valve (6). A rapid reduction in pressure in the breathing gas lines (3, 5) is possible at any time using a control valve (10) in the inhalation line (3) provided with a control pressure space (15) and with a discharge port (19) which can be opened to the environment through a valve element (14). A control pressure line (16), which is branched off from the inhalation line (3) and can be connected to the control pressure space (15), is present. A reversing valve (17) with an evacuation line (18), through which a flow connection can be established between the control pressure space (15) and the evacuation line (18), is arranged in the control pressure line (16).

Abstract: A pneumatically-operated gas delivery device coupled in interruptible fluid communication between a recipient and at least one course of pressurized respiratory gas controls delivery of the respiratory gas to the recipient as the recipient inhales and exhales. The device includes a regulator mechanism, a supply valve and a sensing valve, wherein the supply valve delivers the respiratory gas to the recipient responsive to movement of the sensing valve. Gas flow to the supply valve is communicated from the gas source, the regulator mechanism and through a plurality of bolus chambers each of which chambers communicates a portion of the recipient's demand gas flow rate from the regulator mechanism to the supply valve. The bolus chambers allow a high-flow pulse of respiratory gas to be delivered to the patient upon initiation of inhalation coupled with steady state flow for the remainder of inhalation.

Abstract: Multiple distributor for low-pressure uses forming part of the equipment of a scuba diver equipped with a self-contained breathing apparatus. A distributor body is connected by a single pipe to the first-stage pressure reducer of one or more cylinders. The body is connected via connectors for with the following: a second-stage pressure reduce for an emergency mouthpiece, a second-stage pressure reducer connected to the diver's mouthpiece, and the inflation connection of a balancing jacket, the air inlet to the latter connection being controlled via an appropriate cut off valve operated by a push-button mounted on the distributor body.

Abstract: Apparatus for the supply of breathable gas cyclically at an inspiratory pressure and a lower expiratory pressure substantially in synchronism with a patient's respiration. A flow generator coupled to a gas delivery system delivers breathable gas to the patient's airway. A motor controller receives a signal representing respiratory flow. The motor controller sends out a signal to control an electric motor and turbine to generate the desired inspiratory and expiratory pressures. The controller detects transitions between inspiration and expiration via a flow signal to discriminate between the respiratory phases of the patient. A counter counts a first time duration commencing from the last transition to inspiration and whereby if the first time duration elapses before a transition to expiration is detected, the controller initiates the supply of a given expiratory pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplemental oxygen administration to a patient that provides enhanced efficiency of oxygen use due to the administration of an oxygen bolus at the beginning of each inhalation by a patient. The supplemental oxygen delivery device utilizes first and second one-way valves corresponding to air inspiration and air expiration ports, respectively, and that are positioned in an air pathway so that air inspiration opens the first one-way valve to permit air flow through the air inspiration port and air expiration closes the first one-way valve and opens the second one-way valve to permit air expiration through the air expiration port. An oxygen supply source is connected to the device so as to provide an air bolus in the air pathway upstream and in front of the first one-way valve so as to provide a burst of oxygen during the first part of inhalation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oxygen control system for supplying a predetermined rate of flow from an oxygen source to a person in need of supplemental oxygen comprising an input manifold, an output manifold and a plurality of gas conduits interconnecting the input manifold to the output manifold. The oxygen source is arranged in flow communication with the input manifold, and a needle valve is positioned in flow control relation to each of the conduits so as to control the flow of oxygen from the input manifold to the output manifold. A plurality of solenoid valves, each having a first fully closed state corresponding to a preselected level of physical activity of the person and a second, fully open state corresponding to another preselected level of physical activity of the person, are positioned in flow control relation to all but one of the conduits.

Abstract: The pressure of breathable gas exiting a flow generator (10) is controlled by adjusting the efficiency of the flow generator. In one embodiment, a baffle plate (44) of a control element (40) can restrict the open entry area of a motor (16) driven turbine (18) of the flow generator. In another form, the degree of opening of the mouth of the flow generator inlet (20), and hence the pneumatic impedance, can be controlled, as in a similar manner can the impedance outlet (22).

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.

Abstract: Self-contained diving equipment comprising means (10) for refilling a compressed air tank (40) connected via a flexible air tube (1) to a snorkel and a breathing nozzle (70). The refilling means are deactivated when underwater, and an external air intake (61) is connected via a tube to the nozzle to feed air directly from the surface (10) when the swimmer is not underwater. The equipment further comprises a moisture removal device (20) and a filter (21) between the compressor (13) and the tank (40), as well as means (30) for controlling the activation and deactivation of the refilling means.