Abstract: A rebreather system for aircrew that includes a double counter lung having a void between inner and outer bladders that allows selective pressurization of the inner bladder.

Abstract: A facial breathing mask suitably for regulating the carbon dioxide concentration in the inspired air, the facial mask comprising an air chamber with an opening through which a user can breathe. At least a part of the air chamber is flexible and/or collapsible and comprises one or more of semi-permeable membranes separating the air chamber and a surrounding atmosphere. In use, the invention can raise the carbon dioxide tension in the inspired air and/or influence the depth and rate of breathing of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for non-invasive mechanical ventilation comprises a fan (2) of Bi-level type, or BiPAP, for generating an air flow according to a succession of inspiration steps, or IPAP, and exhalation steps, or EPAP. The flow is conveyed in the aerial ducts of a patient (25) by means of a flexible tube (3) connected to a nasal mask (4). A flexible air reservoir (5) is provided pneumatically connected to the duct (3) and the nasal mask (4) in order to subtract from the inspiration flow a certain air amount before that it reaches the patient (25) at the beginning of an IPAP step. During the exhalation EPAP step, since the air flow pressure decreases automatically, there is the emptying at least partial of the flexible air reservoir (5), whereas the air exhaled by the patient exits through an opening (14) made on the nasal mask (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a respiration valve (401) for performing respiration tests on e.g. humans, consisting of at least three ports, a first mouth port (402) and two breathing ports (403, 404). The breathing ports (403, 404) comprise pneumatic pinch valves consisting of a channel (101) with a flexible wall (201) to be used for the flow of material and molded as an integrated part of a surrounding chamber (102). The flexible wall (201) comprises two opposing angularly interconnected wall segments (202) which are angularly connected at interconnection points (203) and which flexible wall (201) is pinched by a pressure from fluid, such as air, introduced into the chamber (102). The cross sectional shape corresponds in one embodiment approximately to a elongated hexagon. The construction of the respiration valve (401) comprising these pneumatic pinch is valves enables a very small, light, hygienic, and safe yet inexpensive construction with a long life expectancy.

Abstract: The multitask medical treatment respiratory apparatus may have a mask defining a chamber wherein the mask may have a first port, a second port and a venting valve. A reservoir bag having a first opening may be in communication with the first port or there may be a venturi device may be in communication with a second opening of the reservoir bag. One or more gas sources may be in communication with the venturi device. A medicant device may be mounted in the second port wherein the medicant device having a mouthpiece that may be inserted and retracted relative to the mask chamber and a patients mouth. The medicant device having a medicant chamber formed therein.

Abstract: An emergency oxygen supply system for use on aircraft in the event of a loss in cabin pressure is configured for delivering allotments of oxygen and timing the delivery such allotments to each passenger so as maximize the efficiency of the transfer of such oxygen into the passenger's bloodstream. The delivery of each allotment is selected so that the entire allotment is available for inhalation into the region of the lung most efficient at oxygen transfer while the volume of the allotment is selected to substantially coincide with the volume of such region of the lung.

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: Device for ventilation with a double lumen endotracheal tube featuring a connecting piece at the end distal to the patient into which the two lumina of the endotracheal tube are extended, separated within the connecting piece by an axial partition wall, a connector with two nozzles leading to a joint connecting section and separated from each other by another partition wall, the connector being attachable to the connecting piece in a way that brings the partition wall and the other partition wall into a sealing contact, a ventilator and at least one tube connected to a nozzle of the connector at one end and to the ventilator at the other.

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 an outlet port through which the content of the bag is forced when bag is compressed; target indicia on the bag to indicate the proper position of the bag on the patient's sternum area and to indicate the proper location on the bag for applying force to the top side thereof; a face mask for placement over the patient's mouth and nose; and a tube extending from the bag to the face mask. The device may include indicia for indicating the amount of pressure applied to the self-inflating bag, and a backboard including belt/motor structure for providing repeated and rapid chest compression and forced ventilation of the patient's lungs.

Abstract: Minimal concentrations of CO2 are mixed with pressurized air to provide a gas mix effective for stabilizing breathing of target patients or users. CO2 concentrations below about 2% and preferably between about 0.5% and 1.25% are employed. A gas modulator includes a gas mixing module, a sensor and a control processor. The gas mixing module mixes plural gases, including CO2, into a gas mix, for delivery to a substantially leak-proof patient face mask. The sensor, located substantially at the face mask, measures CO2 concentration in the face mask. The control processor, based on a signal from the sensor, controls the CO2 concentration in the gas mix.

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 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 an outlet port through which the content of the bag is forced when bag is compressed; target indicia on the bag to indicate the proper position of the bag on the patient's sternum area and to indicate the proper location on the bag for applying force to the top side thereof; a face mask for placement over the patient's mouth and nose; and a tube extending from the bag to the face mask. The device may include indicia for indicating the amount of pressure applied to the self-inflating bag, and a backboard including belt/motor structure for providing repeated and rapid chest compression and forced ventilation of the patient's lungs.

Abstract: An emergency oxygen supply system for use on aircraft in the event of a loss in cabin pressure is configured for delivering allotments of oxygen and timing the delivery such allotments to each passenger so as maximize the efficiency of the transfer of such oxygen into the passenger's bloodstream. The delivery of each allotment is selected so that the entire allotment is available for inhalation into the region of the lung most efficient at oxygen transfer while the volume of the allotment is selected to substantially coincide with the volume of such region of the lung.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for non-invasively determining cardiac output using partial re-breathing techniques are disclosed in which the apparatus is constructed with an instantaneously adjustable deadspace for accommodating differences in breathing capacities of various patients. The apparatus is constructed of inexpensive elements, including a single two-way valve which renders the apparatus very simple to use and inexpensive so that the unit may be readily disposable. The method of the invention provides a novel means of estimating cardiac output based on alveolar CO2 values rather than end-tidal CO2 values as previously practiced. A program for calculating cardiac output is also disclosed.

Abstract: An emergency oxygen supply system for use on aircraft in the event of a loss in cabin pressure is configured for delivering allotments of oxygen and timing the delivery such allotments to each passenger so as maximize the efficiency of the transfer of such oxygen into the passenger's bloodstream. The delivery of each allotment is selected so that the entire allotment is available for inhalation into the region of the lung most efficient at oxygen transfer while the volume of the allotment is selected to substantially coincide with the volume of such region of the lung.

Abstract: A compressed air respirator has prolonged operating time due to a rebreathing feature. The respirator has a compressed air reserve (1) with a connected demand air supply valve (2), wherein the demand air supply valve (2) is connected with a reversible breathing gas reservoir (4) with adjustable volume. A rebreathing line (25) for the user of the apparatus has an expiration valve (88), wherein the rebreathing line (25) is connected with the breathing gas reservoir (4).

Abstract: A breathing apparatus (10) comprises a breathing circuit which includes a gas reservoir (50) having one end (54) open to the atmosphere. The reservoir comprises a substantially rigid structure and may be supplemented by an inflatable bag. The circuit is connected, in use, to an oxygen supply container (60), the apparatus further including means (62) for regulating the flow of oxygen into the circuit in response to detect gas levels in the circuit. The preferred apparatus is portable and provides an efficient use of oxygen.

Abstract: A ventilation device is disclosed including a self-inflating bag which when compressed produces an outgoing flow, an inlet and an outlet and at least one valve connected to the inlet and/or outlet. The valve is disposed to control the flow out of the air outlet. One or more sensors positioned to sense air flow through the inlet or outlet produce outputs that are used by a controller to control opening and closing of the at least one valve to reduce hyperventilation.

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 breathing gas feed assembly for the flight crew of an airplane comprises an emergency breathing mask and a stowage box for the mask. The box is adapted to receive the mask diagonally and it is closed by two doors hinged about respective hinge axes situated on two adjacent edges of the box.

Abstract: A breathing bag, mask and/or tube of an anesthesia breathing circuit having printed thereon one or more of characters, stimuli, images, reflective surfaces, activity panels, puzzles, trivia, pleasing colors, decorative features and/or other calming and friendly items or indicia is disclosed. The enhancements may be visible by the patient prior, during and/or after the surgical procedure. The invention may also include any other item which enhances or supplements medical equipment such that the equipment is much more pleasing to a child during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A manually-operable resuscitator operable also to inject medication into air being supplied to a patient. The resuscitator has a resiliently compressible air bag having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet has a one-way valve through which air passes into the bag from the atmosphere and a patient valve through which air flows in passing from the bag to the patient. The patient valve has a one-way valve member through which air flows in passing from the bag to the patient. The patient valve also has a passage extending from the atmosphere to the interior thereof adjacent to the one-way valve member and upstream thereof through which medication can be injected into the air as it passes from the bag to the one-way valve member.

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: In order to protect the passengers of an airplane against the effects of depressurization of the cabin, breathing masks are fed with oxygen at a rate which is an increasing function of cabin altitude. Oxygen is fed via a constriction and an economizer bag, and an initial fraction only of the gases breathed out is caused to be re-breathed by collecting the initial fraction in a flexible re-breathing bag in communication with the mask. The re-breathing bag has a volume in inflated state which is not less than the total dead volume of the respiratory tract and the mask. A protective apparatus comprises a feed control unit supplying an adjustable flow rate to masks connected to a general pipe via respective economizer bags. A re-breathing bag retards re-breathing and stores only an initial fraction of the gases breathed out on each exhalation.

Abstract: A squeeze bag resuscitator has a flow diverter push fitted onto its exhaust outlet in any desired orientation. The diverter has a color change carbon dioxide indicator strip fixed to the inside surface of a transparent deflector plate. The indicator is protected from light externally by an opaque elastomeric strip attached by engaging surface formations to the outside of the plate. The indicator is also protected on the interior of the plate by an opaque strip, which projects from the diverter so that it can be removed by pulling on the free end.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation device and method that combines artificial, emergency ventilation of a patient's lungs with chest compressions on the patient's sternum area. The device includes a self-inflating bag having a top side, a bottom side, and an outlet port through which the content of the bag is forced when the top side of the bag is pushed toward the bottom side of the bag; target indicia on the self-inflating bag to indicate the proper position of the self-inflating bag on the patient's sternum area and to indicate the proper location on the self-inflating bag for applying force to the top side of the self-inflating bag; a face mask for placement over the patient's mouth and nose; and a tube extending from the outlet port of the self-inflating bag to the face mask.

Abstract: Breathing equipment with a circuit for breathing gas and with a flat calcium hydroxide absorber (1) is cooled by an evaporating agent with improved cooling. A gas volume flow of at least 60 L per minute is admitted to the outer surface (14) of the calcium hydroxide absorber (1) receiving the evaporating agent by at least one gas delivery device (5). The evaporating agent is delivered to the outer surface (14) of the calcium hydroxide absorber (1) by an admitted pressure from an evaporating agent reservoir (10) via at least one connection line (12).

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 respirator with a tidal volume-measuring device (6) between a respiration bag (8) and a patient adapter (2) provides accurate metering of the tidal volume. The device includes a first pressure-measuring device (4) and a breathing gas interruptor (5) in series sequence between the patient adapter (2) and the tidal volume-measuring device (6). A second pressure-measuring device (7) is provided between the tidal volume-measuring device (6) and the respiration bag (8). A control unit (20) is connected with the tidal volume-measuring device (6) and the pressure-measuring devices (4, 7) and sends control signals in such a way that when a predetermined tidal volume is reached, the breathing gas interrupter (5) is switched to the closed position, and that the closed position is eliminated when the pressure p2 measured with the second pressure-measuring means (7) has dropped below the pressure p1 determined with the first pressure-measuring means (4).

Abstract: A rebreather apparatus having a gas scrubber canister with a generally oval or elliptical cross section. The canister being configured so that exhaled gases pass through the adsorbent in a radial manner through a generally hollow tube having the same cross sectional shape as the canister. The shape of the canister allows for increasing the volume of the canister relative to round cylinder shaped canisters without making it too cumbersome such that it effects the efficiency of a diver. The canisters have at least one removable end cap and the end caps are configured for housing gas addition and control systems. The rebreather apparatus can be rapidly reconfigured to provide a variety of fully closed or semi closed circuit configurations and it can be reconfigured to be worn in a variety of ways based on tasks to be performed and diver preference.

Abstract: A life support system has a semi-closed rebreather supplying oxygen for multiple users, such as high altitude parachutists. A first tank supplies oxygen to initially purge the system, and a second, larger tank supplies oxygen at prescribed amounts for the duration of a mission. Users are connected by hoses to an inlet hose manifold on a scrubber body of the rebreather. The inlet hose manifold has an inlet port boss to receive exhaled gas from each user and an overpressure valve vents excessive amounts of exhaled gas. A CO2 absorbent in the scrubber body scrubs CO2 from the exhaled gas. An outlet hose manifold is connected to the scrubber body and has an inlet fitting to supply oxygen and at least one outlet port boss to feed the oxygen and the CO2 scrubbed gas to the users. This reliable system is lighter-weight and smaller than contemporary systems.

Abstract: An improved manual resuscitation device such as a bag-valve-mask (BVM) device with flow control valve to eliminate the danger of patient distension and aspiration of stomach contents during ventilation. The BVM having the usual patient mask with a gas inlet and flexible patient face sealing edge, flexible manually squeezed bag with a one way intake and output valves in flow communication with a gas source and the mask inlet, and exhaust port for exhausting exhaled gas from the mask when the bag output valve is closed. The flow control valve is interposed between the mask and bag to automatically and variably limit the rate of gas flow from the bag to the mask between a predetermined minimum flow rate and a maximum flow rate. A similar flow control valve can be included in any manual resuscitation device such as a pocket mask or face shield to equal advantage.

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 breathing system comprising a flexible inner reservoir bag having an exhaled gas inlet and a gas outlet, and a second flexible outer bag in which the inner bag is received, the gas outlet of the inner bag opening into the outer bag, and the outer bag having an exhaled gas outlet which in use is connected to a gas collecting tube. A first conduit connected to the inlet of the inner reservoir bag communicates with a face mask applied to a patient's nose and mouth. A second conduit connected to the outlet of the non-rigid outer bag communicates with a gas disposal outlet. A third conduit connected to a fresh gas supply communicates with the face mask. The first conduit may be enclosed within a first portion of the second conduit, and the third conduit may be enclosed within a second portion of the second conduit thus forming two coaxial tubes. The first and third conduits may meet at a T-piece to which the face mask is connected.

Abstract: A manual ventilation bag has a first opening and a second opening, a first soft bag connected to the first opening and a second soft bag connected to the second opening. The manual ventilation bag is advantageously used in combination with a breathing apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for non-invasively determining the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a patient using partial re-breathing techniques. The apparatus includes a substantially instantaneously adjustable deadspace volume for accommodating differences in sizes or breathing capacities of various patients. The apparatus may be constructed of inexpensive elements, including one or more two-way valves, which render the apparatus very simple to use and inexpensive so that the unit may be employed as a disposable product. The method of the invention includes estimating the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a patient based on partial pressure of alveolar CO2, rather than on the partial pressure of end tidal CO2, as previously practiced. A computer program for calculating the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to protect the passengers of an airplane against the effects of depressurization of the cabin, breathing masks are fed with oxygen at a rate which is an increasing function of cabin altitude. Oxygen is fed via a constriction and an economizer bag, and an initial fraction only of the gases breathed out is caused to be re-breathed by collecting the initial fraction in a flexible re-breathing bag in communication with the mask. The re-breathing bag has a volume in inflated state which is not less than the total dead volume of the respiratory tract and the mask. A protective apparatus comprises a feed control unit supplying an adjustable flow rate to masks connected to a general pipe via respective economizer bags. A re-breathing bag retards re-breathing and stores only an initial fraction of the gases breathed out on each exhalation.

Abstract: A disposable oxygenating device (2) comprising a body (4,40) and a collapsible bag (16) coupled thereto, the body including first coupling means (6) being couplable to a source of oxygen, second coupling means (10) being couplable to an endotracheal tube, laryngeal mask or the like, a connector (14) to which the bag (16) is connected, an oxygen duct (7) in fluid communication with the first coupling means having an outlet orifice (22) which in use delivers oxygen from the source of oxygen to inflate the bag with oxygen, and an outlet (20,44), the arrangement being such that, in use, during an inspiration cycle, oxygen from the bag passes through the second coupling means (10) and, during an expiration cycle, expiration products pass through the body (2,40) and are expelled through the outlet (20,44).

Abstract: In a method of and a device for providing a predetermined constant medicament dose for an inhalational administration at a low inhalation flow rate, a closed container 11 is provided which is reducible in terms of volume and comprises a mouthpiece 12 for receiving a predetermined volume of a quantity of medicated aerosol, which is preferably inhalable in one breath, wherein the container 11 is compressed under air-flow control in a direction towards the mouthpiece 12 for preparation of the filling operation, subsequently a means for powder aerosol production is connected to the mouthpiece 12, and finally the container is filled at a high flow rate by air-flow controlled expansion of the container for the introduction of air through the powder aerosol generator.

Abstract: A closed circuit breathing apparatus comprising: a container containing a reactant for reacting with carbon dioxide and water to produce oxygen gas; a housing for the container; a foldable breathing bag and breathing tube assembly, including a mouthpiece disposed on the breathing bag, in gas-flow communication with the container; a cover for containing the folded breathing bag and breathing tube assembly; a strap for removably securing the cover onto the apparatus; and a chlorate candle for providing an initial volume of oxygen gas to the breathing bag wherein the breathing bag and breathing tube assembly is unfolded and the chlorate candle automatically fired by a user donning the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for ventilation support to persons with respiratory distress is provided with a compressed air pump. The pump may be connected to the mouth or the nose via a tube for generation of pressure pulses with an individually adaptable air volume. The pump comprises a rigid container having two symmetrical halves and with a flexible membrane which is located as a laterally reciprocating diaphragm between the two container halves. These are provided with check valves permitting ambient air to be fed into the pump and from the pump into the tube while the membrane wall is moved, for generation of a pressure pulse. The pump is provided with a flexible pull device for reciprocating operation of the membrane in the container. The pull device extends via pulley wheels to a driving device located substantially in the same plane as the container and beside it.

Abstract: A pulmonarily sized bag formed of a non-latex material, including a bag body formed of panels of resin film material welded to one another along a weld line defining a seam of the bag body bounding an interior volume of the bag. The seam includes an interior seam portion in the interior volume, and an exterior seam portion at an exterior surface of the bag. One of the interior seam portion and exterior seam portion comprises free edges of the seam, and the other one of such seam portions is devoid of free edges. The bag is formable by various techniques, including radio frequency welding, impulse heating, solvent bonding, etc., and is usefully employed in a breathing circuit to obviate the necessity of using latex breathing bags.

Abstract: A cuirass type ventilator compresses a shell member having a peripheral edge and a sealing device secured to the peripheral edge, the sealing device compressing a scaling member depending from the peripheral edge of the shell, the sealing member having a sealing region for sealing against a patient's body, a securing region whereat the sealing member is secured to the shell and a resilient pleated region intermediate the sealing region and securing region whereby, in use, the resilience of the pleated region urges the sealing region into scaling engagement with a patient's body.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a highly concentrated mixture of aerosolized liquid and pressurized gas to a patient including a collapsible membrane defining a chamber, the membrane further defining a first opening and a second opening in communication with the chamber. A mask defining an enclosure having a first passageway in communication with the first opening. A nebulizer having a body defining a reservoir for holding the liquid therein, the body including an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice which communicates with the second opening. A pressurized gas source which contains a pressurized gas with the pressurized gas source being in communication with the inlet orifice for providing the pressurized gas to the nebulizer. When the pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source enters the nebulizer, the pressurized gas mixes to form a mixture with the liquid inside the reservoir of the nebulizer.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature and relative humidity of the interior chamber of a respirator is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a body configured to conform to the face of a user and form an interior chamber defined by the respirator body and the face of the user. The system includes a sight region in the upper portion of the body through which the user can see. A thermoelectric module having a first temperature plate and a second temperature plate is interposed in the lower portion of the body so that the first temperature plate contacts the interior chamber and the second temperature plate contacts the external environment. A power source provides DC current to the thermoelectric module causing a temperature differential between the first temperature plate and the second temperature plate. Preferably, the plates of the thermoelectric module include heat exchangers and fans for maximizing the efficiency of the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: An anesthesia apparatus of the type with several ventilation modes comprises a main gas circuit (1) formed by an inhalation branch (1a) and by an exhalation branch (1b), a gas accumulation member (4) whose internal volume varies and communicates with the main circuit (1), and relief valve means (6) which have an adjustable pressure set-point level and are arranged on the main circuit (1). In addition, detection means (11, 12, 13, 14) make it possible to determine an information item relating to the gas entering and/or leaving the accumulation member (4), information-processing means (10) make it possible to process said information item in order to deduce from it information concerning ventilation mode, and control means (15) act on the relief valve means (6) in order to automatically adjust the pressure set-point level of said relief valve means (6) as a function of the information concerning ventilation mode delivered by the processing means (10).

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 resuscitator having a collapsible bag with an inlet for attachment to a source of oxygen. The collapsible bag has a major outlet and a minor outlet. The major outlet is connected to a first arm of a three-armed connector. The minor outlet is attached to a flexible tube which, in turn, may either be connected to an adapter that is connected to the second arm of the three-armed connector or to a nebulizer or aerosolizer that is attached to the second arm of the three-armed connector. The third arm of the three-armed connector is connected to a housing containing a one-way valve to permit the flow of oxygen away from the collapsible bag and to preclude the flow of liquids and gases toward the collapsible bag. Preferably, the housing also contains, between the one-way valve and the second end of the housing, an exhaust aperture; and the exhaust aperture is preferably covered by a filter.