Abstract: An oxygen self-rescuer (100) includes a gas cartridge (110), a mouthpiece (120), a tube (130) connecting the gas cartridge and the mouthpiece, a breathing bag (140) hydrodynamically connected to the gas cartridge and to the tube, and a spring assembly (150) within the breathing bag. The spring assembly includes a spring (153) fastened to the breathing bag and/or to the gas cartridge. The spring assembly has a pretensioned spring state in an unused packed-up state of the oxygen self-rescuer. The spring assembly leaves the pretensioned spring state with an externally triggered transition from the unused packed-up state into a use expanded state of the oxygen self-rescuer such that the spring assembly uplifts the breathing bag and generates a vacuum within the breathing bag. The vacuum draws breathable gas into the breathing bag and prepares the breathing bag for a ventilation of a user of the oxygen self-rescuer.

Abstract: A method for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) includes supplying an inflation gas at an operative pressure to an inflation actuated soft gripper device to change form from an undeployed state to a deployed grip state that accommodates and grips a human torso. The inflation actuated soft gripper device includes a first inflatable gripper arm having a first distal end and a second inflatable gripper arm having a second distal end. The first distal end and the second distal end approach one another from the undeployed state to the deployed grip state. The first and second distal ends are spaced apart from one another further in the undeployed state than in the deployed grip state. An actuator power and a CPR control signal are delivered to a CPR pressure application device to cyclically extend and retract a pressure applicator along an axis in alignment with a sternum of the human torso.

Abstract: A portable cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) system includes a first module hub housing, an inflation actuated soft gripper configured to receive an inflation gas, and in response, to change form to a deployed grip state that accommodates and grips a human torso. Features of the portable CPR system include modularity for in-the-field reconfigurability, in which a second module hub housing attaches to the first module hub housing, carrying a CPR pressure applicator configured to receive an actuator power and a CPR control signal causing, concurrent with the deployed grip state, cyclic extension and retraction of the CPR pressure applicator along an axis aligned with a sternum of the human torso.

Abstract: A removal device includes a collapsible gasbag, a connector and a face mask, wherein the collapsible gasbag is provided with a gas storage cavity and an opening; the connector is connected to the opening, and the connector is provided with a first check valve and a second check valve; a first gas outlet end of the first check valve is in communication with the gas storage cavity, a second gas inlet end of the second check valve is in communication with the gas storage cavity, and a second gas outlet end of the second check valve is in communication with the outside; and the face mask is connected to a first gas inlet end of the first check valve, and the face mask is provided with a flexible annular pad.

Abstract: An exhalation valve for a ventilator apparatus for at least partial instrumental respiratory assistance of a patient, includes a valve housing with a flow passage which extends along a passage trajectory defining a local axial, radial and circumferential direction and along which respiratory air can flow through the valve housing. The valve housing has a housing-side valve sub-formation with a closed end surface which extends around the passage trajectory and towards which a mating surface of a valve body, movable relative to the valve housing and facing the end surface, can be pretensioned by the pretensioning force of a pretensioning device in such a way that the mating surface, when subjected to respiratory gas in an exhalation flow direction counter to the pretensioning force of the pretensioning device, is removable.

Abstract: A breathing bag (1) for a closed-circuit respirator (100) has a bag component (2), which encloses an inner volume (3). The bag component (2) can reversibly assume at least one unfolded state (4) and a folded-in state (5). The bag component (2) encloses a larger inner volume (3) in the unfolded state (4) than in the folded-in state (5). Moreover, a closed-circuit respirator (100) is provided, having at least one counter-lung, a filter device, an oxygen source as well as a housing. The counter-lung, the filter device and the oxygen source are arranged in the housing.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and/or methods for immobilizing a patient's head and simultaneously providing emergency respiration for the patient includes, in some embodiments, a head immobilizer, a bag valve mask (BVM), an endotracheal tube (ET) bracket, and/or an oxygen face mask. In some embodiments where head immobilization is not needed, a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) board may be used in lieu of the head immobilizer. Each such embodiment is configured to require reduced manual intervention by a caregiver without reducing the effectiveness of each medical device and/or system. An adjustable BVM holder integrated into the head immobilizer secures the BVM on the patient. In embodiments with a BVM, only a single hand is necessary to provide emergency respiration, freeing the caregiver's other hand for other caregiving tasks. Such a head immobilizer may secure an ET bracket and/or face mask to a patient, allowing for hands-free operation during patient treatment, movement, and transportation.

Abstract: A ventilation system having a mask, a blowing assembly, and a processor. The mask has a mask body and a pressure sensor operatively associated with the mask body and configured to measure pressure within the mask. The mask body defines an inlet opening and a plurality of leak openings. The blowing assembly is positioned in fluid communication with the inlet opening of the mask body and configured to direct air to the inlet opening of the mask body. The processor is positioned in operative communication with the blowing assembly and the pressure sensor of the mask. The processor is configured to selectively control the blowing assembly based upon at least the measured pressure within the mask.

Abstract: Pulmonary ventilator methods and systems are provided winch include a housing having a user interface control panel; a pneumatic circuit for delivering a high frequency pressure wave from the housing to a patient lung; a variable volume disposed within the housing including a stationary plate secured to the housing and a reciprocating plate pivotably mounted with respect to the stationary plate; and a magnet assembly disposed within the housing and configured to pivot the reciprocating plate. The variable volume may also include a resiliently contractible section extending between and joining a portion of the stationary plate and a portion of the reciprocating plate, wherein the resiliently contractible section may be in the form of a bellows and/or a pleated material.

Abstract: A device and a method for creating and/or maintaining an obstruction free upper respiratory passages. The device is configured to fit under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device is capable of exerting negative pressure on the surface of a subject's neck, displacing the soft tissue forward and enlarging the airway.

Abstract: A breathable gas supply apparatus for a patient features a breathable gas supply system and a respiratory mask assembly in communication with the breathable gas supply system. The breathable gas supply system provides a supply of breathable gas to the respiratory mask assembly and removes a supply of exhaled gas from the respiratory mask assembly. The breathable gas supply system includes a housing having an inspiration chamber and an exhalation chamber and a movable structure in communication with the inspiration and exhalation chambers. The movable structure moves in phase with a respiratory cycle of a patient. In one preferred embodiment, the breathable gas supply system includes a second movable structure, which moves in response to a phase of the respiratory cycle of the patient. In another one preferred embodiment, the breathable gas supply system is powered to assist the patient's respiratory effort.

Abstract: A gas assisted re-breathing device is provided for life support of individuals venturing into harsh environments, particularly the underwater environment, which results in reduced work of breathing. In the pressurized gas assisted re-breathing device, pressurized gas, actuated by the breathing pressure local to the mouthpiece, acts to move a flexible gas storage container on behalf of the individual and a loop seal valve is forcibly shut during assisted breathing, which seals the assisted breathing loop to prevent premature venting of breathing gas to the surrounding environment, unless the assisted breathing loop is full, whereupon the loop seal valve opens to allow excess breathing gas to escape into the surrounding environment through forcible exhalation by the individual through one or more conventional one way valves that prevent backflow from the surrounding environment back into the loop.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of actuating a manual ventilator system bag to cause patient ventilation. The apparatus, system and method include a pressure exerter proximate to the manual ventilator system bag; and an actuator suitable for remote actuation of said pressure exerter. In embodiments, actuation of the actuator remotely causes the pressure exerter to make contact with and exert pressure against the manual ventilator system bag to thereby execute ventilation of the patient associated with an inlet hose/tube.

Abstract: A device for automatically squeezing and releasing an AMBU-bag is disclosed. A device has a housing and a mechanical compression squeezer in the housing. There are openings in the housing for inlet tubes and outlet tubes of AMBU-bag to pass in and out of the housing. A powered actuator powers the compression squeezer. Alarms and signals provide information regarding excessive pressure and regarding bag cycling.

Abstract: A sleep apnea treatment device that includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and an energy storage component. The first chamber receives a patient's exhaled breath, which causes the second chamber to be expanded with fresh air that is drawn in during expansion of the second chamber. Energy from the patient's exhaled breath is stored in the energy storage component and then used to expel the air in the second chamber under positive pressure into the patient's airway. The first chamber can expand during the patient's exhaled breath which causes a plate or other movable member to simultaneously expand the second chamber to thereby draw in the fresh air that is subsequently expelled to the patient using the energy in the energy storage component.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus includes an inner volumetric member pressurizable from a first pressure to a second pressure and an outer volumetric member surrounding at least a portion of the inner expandable volumetric member. The inner volumetric member pressurizes the outer volumetric member as the inner volumetric member is pressurized from the first pressure to the second pressure. In another embodiment, a breathing assistance apparatus includes exhalation and inhalation chambers with respective biasing members providing for the exhalation chamber to apply a pressure to the inhalation chamber and thereby provide assisted inhalation. Methods for assisting breathing are also provided.

Abstract: A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.

Abstract: A device for automatically squeezing and releasing an AMBU-bag is disclosed. A device has a housing and a mechanical compression squeezer in the housing. There are openings in the housing for inlet tubes and outlet tubes of AMBU-bag to pass in and out of the housing. A powered actuator powers the compression squeezer. Alarms and signals provide information regarding excessive pressure and regarding bag cycling.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure device which includes:—an inflatable breathable air reservoir provided with an air inlet/outlet;—a pressurized gas reservoir arranged to apply a predetermined substantially constant pressure on the breathable air reservoir, irrespective of the degree of inflation of the breathable air reservoir.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a device for decreasing intracranial or intraocular pressures. The device comprises a housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening that is adapted to be interfaced with a person's airway. The device further includes a valve system that is operable to regulate respiratory gas flows through the housing and into the person's lungs during spontaneous or artificial inspiration. The valve system assists in lowering intrathoracic pressures during each inspiration to repetitively lower pressures in the venous blood vessels that transport blood out of the head to thereby reduce intracranial or intraocular pressures.

Abstract: A volume expansion system increases the storage volume for breathing gas in a closed-circuit breathing gas apparatus. A flow controller is coupled to an inhalation side of the closed-circuit breathing gas apparatus and is also coupled to an expandable reservoir. The flow controller defines a first flow path that allows breathing gas in the inhalation side to automatically flow into the expandable reservoir when pressure in the inhalation side exceeds a threshold. The flow controller can also include the means to define a second flow path that allows on-demand return of the breathing gas in the expandable reservoir to the inhalation side of the breathing gas apparatus.

Abstract: A gas regulator includes a delivery valve assembly having a delivery outlet and a delivery valve member engageable with the delivery outlet for controlling flow of a gas from a gas source. A timing gas chamber receives gas from the gas source. Gas pressure within the timing gas chamber controls the operation of the delivery valve member. An adjustment system controls the amount of time required for the gas to fill the timing gas chamber so as to control the length of time that the delivery valve assembly is opened to conserve gas. In other embodiments, a capacity adjustment system can adjust the capacity of a gas reservoir system.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation device that combines ventilation of a patient's lungs with chest compressions on the patient's sternum area. The device includes a self-inflating bag having a flat top side as a proper position on the self-inflating bag for applying force to the top side of the self-inflating bag, a flat bottom side on the self-inflating bag for properly positioning the bag on the patient's sternum area, an outlet port through which the content of the bag is forced when the flat top side of the bag is pushed toward the flat bottom side of the bag, a connector connecting the bag with a tube extending from the outlet port, a headband face mask for placement over the patient's mouth and nose, and a second connector positioned between the tube and the face mask.

Abstract: A combination of a bellows structure (12), volume restrictor, and pressure restrictor for use on a hand-operated resuscitator is provided to enable delivery of ventilation within specific volume and pressure limitations specified by the operator. The bellows structure (12) consistently provides predictable and uniform generation of gas flow for ventilation without regard to one or two-handed technique, hand placement, or hand size. The volume restrictor, primarily comprising of an inflow obturator (20), outflow obturator (22), and placement cam (34), enables the physician to specify a specific tidal volume to be delivered, which constitutes a volume-controlled cycling capability of the invention. The pressure restrictor, primarily comprising of an outer housing (40), stopper housings (41), and a stopper (50), enables the physician to specify a specific maximum airway pressure to be exposed to the patient, which constitutes a pressure-controlled cycling capability of the invention.

Abstract: An oxygen therapy face mask has a face engaging portion and a valve assembly connected thereto. The valve assembly has a first passage communicating with the interior of the face engaging portion from which gas can flow into the face engaging portion and into a patient's mouth and nose and which can also receive gas from a patient's mouth and nose and the interior of the face engaging portion. A first one-way valve is associated with the first passage and a second passage connectable to an oxygen reservoir bag and to an external source of pressurized oxygen. The first one-way valve is operable to permit flow of gas from the second passage to the first passage and to prevent flow of gas from the first passage to the second passage. A second one-way valve is associated with the first passage and is operable to permit flow of gas from the first passage to the external atmosphere and to prevent flow of gas from the external atmosphere to the first passage.

Abstract: A continuous positive pressure device which includes an air reservoir connected to a delivery device (e.g. mask or mouthpiece) by an air supply hose; the reservoir includes a rigid protective housing and a plate which applies uniform pressure on the reservoir irrespective of its degree of inflation; the plate is connected to the housing by a non distorting and expandable frame which can expand or contract to permit movement of the plate only in a single plane, as the reservoir inflates or deflates.

Abstract: A combination of a bellows structure (12), volume restrictor, and pressure restrictor for use on a hand-operated resuscitator is provided to enable delivery of ventilation within specific volume and pressure limitations specified by the operator. The bellows structure (12) consistently provides predictable and uniform generation of gas flow for ventilation without regard to one or two-handed technique, hand placement, or hand size. The volume restrictor, primarily comprising of an inflow obturator (20), outflow obturator (22), and placement cam (34), enables the physician to specify a specific tidal volume to be delivered, which constitutes a volume-controlled cycling capability of the invention. The pressure restrictor, primarily comprising of an outer housing (40), stopper housings (41), and a stopper (50), enables the physician to specify a specific maximum airway pressure to be exposed to the patient, which constitutes a pressure-controlled cycling capability of the invention.

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: An exhalation valve (10) is disclosed for use with an exhalation port (14) of a respiratory circuit. The exhalation valve comprises a hermetically sealed gas chamber (20,120), a gas inlet (22,122) for supplying gas to the gas chamber, and a membrane (24,124) of flexible material that defines at least part of a wall of the gas chamber. The membrane is deformable by a change in the pressure differential between the gas within the gas chamber and the gas within the exhalation port between an inoperative configuration and an operative configuration in which the membrane restricts the flow of gas from the exhalation port to a greater extent than in said inoperative configuration. The membrane is inherently planar but is mounted within the exhalation valve such that deformation of the membrane to its operative configuration occurs substantially without increase of the surface area of the membrane.

Abstract: An improved resuscitator including a pump, a base member for positioning over the sternum area of the patient's chest, coupling structure for allowing gas to pass from a passageway of the base member to the patient's lungs, and seal structure for forming a gas-tight seal between an opening of the pump and a first end of the passageway of the base member when a bellows-like structure of the pump is moved from a first position to a second position. The improvement includes sternum structure attached to the base member for placement on the patient's chest over the patient's sternum and for applying pressure to the patient's sternum during resuscitation (i.e., when the bellows-like structure of the pump is moved from the first position to the second position).

Abstract: A constant pressure generator has a variable volume fluid reservoir formed by a container having fixed walls which cooperate to define a cross-sectional area of the container perpendicular to an axis that varies with location along the axis and an end wall arranged for movement along the axis to vary the volume of the reservoir and which is adapted to conform substantially to the fixed walls of the container to provide the region of variable area substantially that defined by the fixed walls. A force generator is engageable with the variable area region to exert a variable force thereon and the walls are shaped such that the area of the region varies interdependently with the exerted force as the volume varies to maintain the communicated pressure constant.

Abstract: An isolation device is disclosed. The isolation device may have a movable partition and a housing disposed about the movable partition. The isolation device may have a partition biaser joined to the partition, and a CO2 scrubber. A method of delivering inspiratory gas to a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for relaxing an apneic obstruction in a nasopharyngeal airway of a patient. A bolus chamber and a rearward chamber are defined within a housing. A movable piston within the housing is actuated using a pair of magnets. When an impeller, mounted within the rearward chamber, rotates as a result of patient exhalation into the rearward chamber, the repulsive force between said magnets causes said piston to move and drive a bolus of air into the airway of the patient.

Abstract: A gas container has a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a variable-volume chamber connected to the gas inlet and the gas outlet and a constant force applicator acting on the variable-volume chamber so that constant gas pressure prevails in the variable-volume chamber, regardless of variations in the chamber's volume. The constant force applicator is formed by a spring and a force transfer mechanism that interact with each other through a center of rotation (14) and an application point. The force transfer mechanism varies the distance between the center of rotation and the application point according to the variation in the volume of the variable-volume chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for conveniently setting the volume of a variable-length tubing loop used in a re-breathing circuit to various selected predetermined values. The device includes a card of an inelastic, disposable material which is attachable to a portion of the tubing loop or adjacent structure and which has marked on it several positions to which the tubing loop can be extended to set the volume of the loop at selected predetermined values. The card is preferably formed of a substantially rigid material which may be configured to fold around the tubing loop and adjacent structures to provide support and protection during shipping and handling of the device. The card may include instructions for use of the tubing loop printed on an outer surface thereof. Some or all of the card may be detachable from the tubing loop so that once the desired tubing volume is set, all or a portion of the card may be removed and disposed of.

Abstract: An anesthetic apparatus has a control unit and a breathing circuit with a connector for fresh gas, a bellows system and an outlet valve. The anesthetic apparatus operates at least as an open system, the connector then constituting an inspiratory part of the breathing circuit and the bellows system and outlet valve constituting an expiratory part of the breathing circuit. In order to reduce the adverse impact of compressible volume in the expiratory section on the functioning of the anesthetic apparatus, the control unit regulates the bellows system during inspiration so that a counter pressure, largely corresponding to the pressure of fresh gas at the connector, is maintained in the expiratory section of the breathing circuit.

Abstract: An improved manual pump is disclosed. The manual pump comprises a pair of side plates (10), a flexible cylindrical wall (15), a pump chamber (21), an axial shaft (11), a coil spring (12) and a pair of handle bars (16) secured to the side plates (10). When the handle bars (16) are grabbed and clutched with a hand, the side walls (10) are turned in opposite directions, twisting the pump chamber (21) to discharge fluid. The coil spring (12) assists to restore the original shape of the pump chamber (21) to charge fluid.

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 gas concentrator adaptable for use within a breathing apparatus, particularly for use within a resuscitator, Trach T, patient tee, or a high oxygen concentration mask. The gas concentrator distributes gas into the resuscitating device through a substantially elongated member that has a number of perforations at one end and a stopper at an opposite end. In addition, the gas concentrator has one or more air check valves that are in fluid communication with the reservoir of the resuscitating device and the atmosphere. A front manifold is used to couple the reservoir to a patient breather apparatus which regulates the flow of oxygen or gas to the patient.