Abstract: An annular dose indicator (50) for use with a dispenser comprising a dispensing canister (10) comprising a substantially cylindrical container (1) having a closed end (2) and an open end (3), said open end of the container being equipped with a dispensing means (4) that comprises an outlet member (5) movable between closed and discharge positions and an adaptor comprising a support block (21) having a socket (22) adapted to receive the outlet member, the container and support block being reciprocally movable relative to each other to cause the outlet member to move to its discharge position thereby dispensing a dose, said annular dose indicator (50) comprising an annular housing (60) having an interior surface (64) defining a substantially circumferential cavity; a counter-ring (80), said counter-ring located in the cavity and being arranged to be moveable relative to the housing by rotation about an axis parallel or substantially parallel to linear reciprocal movement of container and support block; a drivin

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for detecting the start of a dive for implementation in a portable electronic device (1) of the diving computer type. More specifically, the method is for implementation in a device of this type having at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode, called the dive mode. This device includes a pressure sensor (5) for measuring the ambient pressure value (P) and electronic circuits (2) for processing the pressure measurement results including a time base (4) and at least one memory zone (7, 8). The detection method according to the present invention more particularly proposes making correction to certain measured pressure values before storing them as reference pressure values (Pref). Thus, the start of a dive can be detected with a high level of reliability solely on the basis of ambient pressure measurements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a step-by-step mechanism, particularly for hand-held devices for the portioned delivery of medicaments to be inhaled, comprising a graduated collar, which can be moved during an actuation stroke and which encircles the center axis of the housing. In order to provide a step-by-step mechanism of the aforementioned type with a more reliable operation while, in a spatially advantageous manner, having a simplified design, the invention provides that the switching finger(s) are permitted to slope upward from a hub located in the center.

Abstract: An indicating device assists rescue personnel in administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A transducer measures the pressure drop in a flow tube attached to the patient, and this pressure drop is converted into a flow rate and volume. Another transducer measures the pressure in the flow tube at a point near the patient, the measured pressure being essentially the same as, or related to, the intratracheal pressure. Indicator lights show either red or green or yellow, when the flow rate, and/or the intratracheal pressure, are within or outside of a preferred range. The desired ranges can be adjusted according to the weight of the patient. The device provides immediate guidance for rescue personnel, by indicating whether the volume of gas received by the patient is appropriate, and whether intratracheal pressure is below or above a potentially lethal level.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a housing (1) defining a portion (2) for receiving in use a dose-dispensing container (20), the housing containing a dose counter comprising an annular counter member (40) and a driving member (41), the driving member comprising a planar ring portion (50) and first and second sets of flexible teeth (51, 52) depending from opposite sides of the planar ring portion, the first set of dependant fexible teeth (51) engaging a first series of teeth (47) formed on the annular counter member, wherein on movement of the received dose-dispensing container towards the driving member the first and second sets of dependant flexible teeth are caused to flex towards the plane of the ring portion to thereby incrementally rotate the annular counter member in a first direction relative to the housing.

Abstract: A medical device is provided with a fluid port (2), a tube (20), a socket (4), which can be connected to the fluid port (2), on the one hand, and to the tube (20), on the other hand, with freely selectable rotation positions, in order to establish a fluid connection between the fluid port (2) and the tube (20). The tube (20) is provided with a transponder (22) at its end at which it is connected to the socket (4), and with a writing and reading device for communication with the transponder (22), which has an antenna (24) in the area of the fluid port (2). The socket (4) is provided, in the area of its two connection ends, with a coil (5, 6) each, whose axis of rotation is directed essentially coaxially to the axis of rotation about which the relative rotation position of the socket (4) is variable. The two coils (5, 6) are connected by electric lines (8), to which at least one capacitor (9) is connected as a circuit component.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of ventilators, and, more specifically, to a ventilator system that addresses respiratory distress due to the onset of an epidemic or pandemic disease state. In particular, the present invention is a ventilator system that can be manufactured quickly with minimal skill requirements and employed rapidly in response to epidemic respiratory disease conditions.

Abstract: A dive computer with a free dive mode and/or wireless data transmission capabilities. In one embodiment the invention relates to a diving apparatus including a dive computer having a free dive mode, where the dive computer is configured to calculate a nitrogen loading in the free dive mode using a default value which is the fraction of oxygen in air, and where the free dive mode is used when a diver makes a dive without a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Another embodiment includes a method of operating a dive computer including recording two or more first identifiers, receiving pressure information from two or more pressure transmitters, the pressure information comprising second identifiers and pressure measurements, determining whether the pressure information contains one of the two or more first identifiers, and displaying a message indicative of the pressure information that contains one of the two or more first identifiers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a snore detection device comprising a pressure sensor for detecting vibration generated by the human body with respiration, a sound sensor for detecting sound generated by the human body with respiration, and a judging circuit for judging the occurrence of snoring based on output signals of the two sensors. The judging circuit detects a peak occurrence time in variations generated by the output signal of the pressure sensor and a peak occurrence time in variations generated by the output signal of the sound sensor, to judge whether snoring occurs based on the peak occurrence times, respectively, of vibration and sound.

Abstract: Modes, methods, systems and devices are described for providing assisted ventilation to a patient, including wearable ventilation systems with integral gas supplies, special gas supply features, ventilation catheters and access devices, and breath sensing techniques.

Abstract: A device for indicating an internal pressure of an inflatable medical cuff, comprising: a membrane movable in response to a difference between the internal pressure and an external pressure; and movable indication means operably associated with the membrane for indicating, in use of the device, the internal pressure.

Abstract: An improvement to a combination of an SCBA system for providing bottled air to a user and a PAPR system for purifying ambient air for use by a user wherein a sensor is included to determine the oxygen content of the breathing gas and the presence of contaminations in the atmosphere to control operation of the two systems depending on the contaminated condition of the ambient air and the oxygen content of the ambient air.

Abstract: A receptacle for sensors insertable into a gas stream, houses at least one sensor for controlling at least one physical/chemical parameter of the gas stream, and is defined by at least one boundary wall, at least part of which is defined by a filtering element permeable solely to the gaseous phase of the gas stream.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a carbon dioxide detector having a borosilicate substrate. It may also have a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. The carbon dioxide detector may be part of a carbon dioxide detector system also including an air intake operably connected to the housing to allow air to reach the carbon dioxide detector. The carbon dioxide detector may include a borosilicate substrate and a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. This detector may be part of a further system, such as a resuscitation system. The detector may be made by wetting a borosilicate substrate with a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution and drying the indicator solution to immobilize it and form a dried carbon dioxide detector. It may be used to detect the concentration of carbon dioxide in an air sample by exposing the detector to the sample.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser comprising: (i) a housing having an outlet; (ii) a medicament container locatable within said housing; (iii) an electronic dose counter associated with said outlet, wherein said dose counter comprises a first sensor for directly detecting a medicament release dispensible from said medicament container through said outlet is disclosed.

Abstract: An indicating device for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes a first indicator member incrementally moveable to a plurality of positions and a second indicator member operably connected to the first indicator member. The second indicator member is moveable in response to a predetermined number of movements of the first indicator member. One of the first and second indicator members includes numerical indicia and the other thereof includes color indicia.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) timer for use with a bag mask resuscitator provides a visual pacing device when a cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedure is being performed on a patient is disclosed. The CPR timer includes a plurality of visual indicators arranged in an array that sequentially activate at a predetermined pace that matches the recommended pace for air delivery times and/or chest compressions when using a bag mask resuscitator to provide life support to a patient. The CPR timer further includes a pressure sensor in operative association with the bag mask resuscitator for detecting when the bag mask resuscitator is actuated.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler for use with a removable pressurized aerosol canister, or reservoir, having a display for indicating to a user the state of the canister. A memory device on the canister or a housing which houses the canister stores information indicative of doses dispensed from, or remaining in, the canister. That information is processed to provide and display information representative of the state of the canister.

Abstract: In a compressed air breathing apparatus, a single combined high/medium-pressure line (8) consisting of a medium-pressure hose and a coaxial, flexible high-pressure line inside said hose is integrated into the pressure reducer (5) connected to a compressed air bottle so that said line can rotate in axial direction. The free end of the combined high/medium-pressure line (8) can also rotate in axial direction when connected to a manifold block (9) for distributing the supplied high or medium-pressure air to connections for a lung machine (11), a pressure gauge (15), and an alarm whistle (17) that is controlled at high pressure and operated at medium pressure. The manifold block (9) is equipped with an additional high-pressure fast-fill connection (14) and an additional medium-pressure connection (13). A compressed air breathing apparatus of this design is simple, convenient, and safe to handle.

Abstract: Provided herein are dry powder inhalers for the delivery of metered doses of medicament, counters associated with the inhalers for counting and displaying the number of doses administered or remaining within the inhaler, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A tracheal tube positioning apparatus is located relative to a patient's trachea by engaging the patient's Adam's apple. Indicia on relatively movable sections of the positioning apparatus provides an indication of the distance between the patient's mouth and the patient's larynx. A flexible guide rod is moved through a distance corresponding to the distance between the patient's mouth and larynx, as determined by the positioning apparatus. A magnet is utilized to attract a leading end portion of the guide rod. A plurality of emitters may be disposed in an array around the patient's Adam's apple. Outputs from the emitters are detected by a detector connected with the guide rod and by a detector connected with the tracheal tube. Alternatively, a plurality of detectors may be disposed in an array around the patient's Adam's apple to detect the output from an emitter connected with the guide rod and by an emitter connected with the tracheal tube.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the occurrence of an apnea, patency and/or partial obstruction of the airway are disclosed. Respiratory air flow from a patient is measured to give an air flow signal. The determination of an apnea is performed by calculating the variance of the air flow signal over a moving time window and comparing the variance with a threshold value. One determination of partial obstruction of the airway is performed by detecting the inspiratory part of the air flow signal, scaling it to unity duration and area and calculating an index value of the amplitude of the scaled signal over a mid-portion. Alternatively, the index value is a measure of the flatness of the air flow signal over the mid-portion.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus also can include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region. An atomizer, coupled to the fluid region, is configured to aerosolize at least a portion of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dose indicator (A) for a fluid dispenser device (B), the indicator indicating the number of doses dispensed or the number of doses still to be dispensed. The indicator is particularly adapted to aerosols including metering valves, and presents dimensions that are very small and independent of the number of doses to be indicated.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a ventilation control system for controlling the ventilation of a patient. The ventilation control system utilizes a user-friendly user interface for the display of patient data and ventilator status. The user interface includes a graphic representation of a breath cycle that displays the breath cycle currently being ventilated, and is also responsive to changes in ventilation settings to assist the user in evaluation the effect of those changes on the ventilator strategy before the changes are implemented.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide indicator for receiving gas containing carbon dioxide and for providing a visible indication of the presence of carbon dioxide in the gas, the indicator includes a connector for removably connecting the indicator to a source of gas containing carbon dioxide and which connector is for communicating at least a portion of such gas to the indicator. The carbon dioxide indicator may be a disk indicator and the connector may be a male luer or a locking male luer. The carbon dioxide indicator may include removable ultraviolet radiation shielding permitting the carbon dioxide indicator to be preassembled to a patient's respiratory or breathing circuits or to a resuscitator.

Abstract: A method, system and device are provided for the determination of leaks in a respirator. An inspiration pressure pinsp is recorded during an inspiration time Tinsp with a measuring device. The inspiration pressure pinsp is varied during consecutive breaths I. Leaks are determined as to leak volumes VLi from the product of pinspi and Tinspi in accordance with the equation VLi=A×pinspiB×Tinspi while the parameters A and B are determined in an analyzing unit by a regression model with pinsp as the regressor.

Abstract: A drug dispenser 1 has a hollow body 2 with a housing 6 for a pressurised can 7 containing a drug and its propellant arranged on top of the body. The can has an outlet stem 8 received in a socket 9 in an internal spigot 10. This has a junction with a flexible tube 11, leading to a kink valve pair 12,14. The tube continues on to a second internal spigot 15, having a spray nozzle 16 just within a breathing opening 5. The kink valve pair 12, 14 is formed as a moulding of the tube, with side wings 17. Towards the ends of the wings, they have thinner portions 17.1 at which there are apertures 18 immediately adjacent the tube. The arrangement defines positions at which the tube kinks to close its through bore 19. The thinner portions are provided in two positions, which provide the two kink valves. An intermediate section 20 of the tube, with a predetermined volume is provided between the kink valves.

Abstract: A method and related system to determine nasal resistance to airflow. Some of the exemplary embodiments may be a method comprising measuring an attribute of airflow through a first naris of a patient without blocking a second naris of the patient, measuring an attribute of airflow through the second naris of the patient without blocking the first naris, and determining a value indicative of nasal resistance to airflow based on the attributes measured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breathing mask for use in monitoring a patient. The mask can have sensors on the body of the mask and on the associated straps or caps. The mask can be used to monitor breathing problems or to monitor a patient during anesthesia. The data acquired from the mask sensors and related sensors can be stored or fed into a computer to analyze the patient's condition and provide feedback information.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a housing (1) defining a (2) portion for receiving in use a dose-dispensing container (20), the housing containing a dose counter comprising at least one annular counter member (141, 142), a helix-like coil (143) and transmission means (144) for operatively connecting the helix-like coil and the at least one annular counter member, wherein movement of the received dose-dispensing container acts to compress the helix-like coil to thereby rotate the transmission means and the at least one annular counter member.

Abstract: An inhalation opening 6 and an exhalation-opening 4 are formed in the facepiece 2 of a breathing apparatus 1 and the openings can be closed with an inhalation valve 8 and exhalation valve 7, respectively. If a person wearing the breathing apparatus 1 inhales, the inhalation valve 8 is open and the exhalation valve 7 is closed. A photointerrupter 11 senses the closing operation of the exhalation valve 7 and supplies electric power to a motor 9 to drive a blower 16.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a housing (1) defining a portion (2) for receiving in use a dose-dispensing container (20), the housing containing a dose counter comprising at least one annular counter member (241, 242) and a helix-like coil (243), wherein one or more projections (255) are provided on the helix-like coil for operatively connecting the helix-like coil and the at least one annular counter member, wherein movement of the received dose-dispensing container acts to compress the helix-like coil to thereby rotate the at least one annular counter member.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser for use in the storage, presentation and/or dispensing of medicament comprising a body shaped for receipt of a medicament container. In association with the body, there is a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving data. A medicament container is receivable by the body. In association with the medicament container, there is a second transceiver for transmitting and receiving data. Data is transferable in two-way fashion from the first transceiver to the second transceiver. The medicament dispenser may be supplied in kit of parts form.

Abstract: A gas delivery system and method are disclosed in which a flow indicator is interposed between the distal end of a conduit connected to a gas source and a device for introducing the gas in the airway of an individual so that the individual, or some other person in visual contact with the individual, can easily determine whether or not gas is flowing through the system.

Abstract: A counter including at least one counting ring, a switch, and an actuator movable in its longitudinal axis direction. The switch includes a guide and a switching element movable in an axial and azimuthal direction relative to the guide. The guide has at least one curved surface, directing at least one projecting part disposed on the switching element. A switching cam on the switching element meshes with toothing of the counting ring. The switching device converts linear movement of the actuator into rotational movement of the counting ring. The counting ring, secured by ratchets, rotates one angular increment each actuation of the actuator. The counter is suitable for different storage containers dispensing a product portion by portion and can be configured as a daily quantity counter or a total quantity counter, for example. The counter components are inserted into each other and held together by catch elements.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus also can include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region. An atomizer, coupled to the fluid region, is configured to aerosolize at least a portion of the fluid.

Abstract: A powder inhaler for administering powder by inhalation which includes: an inhaler body having an opening therein; an inhalation unit disposed in the inhaler body, the inhalation unit including an inhalation channel through which powder is in use inhaled; a dosing unit for providing a dose of powder to the inhalation channel disposed in the inhaler body so as to be rotatable about the central axis thereof, wherein the dosing unit includes a central shaft which is co-axial with the central axis of the inhaler body and has a spiral groove or protrusion on the end face thereof; and an indicating wheel for providing an indication as to the usage of the inhaler disposed in the inhaler body, the indicating wheel having a toothed periphery for engaging the spiral groove or protrusion on the shaft and being disposed such that at least a part thereof is visible through the opening and so as to be rotatable within a diametrical plane containing the central axis of the inhaler body.

Abstract: A fluid-dispenser dose counter including two superposed count disks (10, 20). The first disk (10) may be a units disk, and the second disk (20) may be a tens and/or hundreds disk. Each disk (10, 20) is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (23, 33), the axes of rotation (23, 33) being parallel to and offset from each other. The counter also includes a cover (30). The cover (30) may define the axis of rotation (33) of the first disk (10) and the axis of rotation (23) of the second disk (20).

Abstract: An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of metered dosages that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes a base member adapted to be mounted to the container and a cap member moveably connected to the base member. The cap member is moveable relative to the base member along an axial path. A shaft is non-rotatably mounted to one of the cap member and the base member and defines an axis. An indicator member is rotatably mounted on the shaft and is rotatable in at least a first direction. One of the shaft and the indicator member has a helical groove while the other of the shaft and the indicator member has a follower disposed in the groove. The indicator member is moveable relative to the shaft along the axis as the indicator member is rotated in the first direction. In another embodiment, the indicating device includes first, second and third indicator members.

Abstract: A supply of gas such as oxygen is provided to a person in need of such gas supply. The delivery system includes an alarm to alert the recipient of the gas or another when and if the gas supply is disrupted. The alarm system preferably includes a reset and on-off switch that is recessed sufficiently to prevent accidental disabling of the alarm system.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided 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. The device for detecting the respiratory activity of a person has at least one sensor that provides a first signal indicating the breathing gas flow, wherein at least one signal processing device is provided for processing the first signal. The signal processing device is configured in such a way that said device determines a reference-relation on the basis of the first signal detected during a first time interval. On the basis thereof, the device determines a correlation-relation between the reference-relation and the first signal.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a wireless heads-up display for displaying the amount of breathing gas remaining in an associated breathing gas supply is provided. The system has a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter has a pressure sensor and a controller for interpreting the sensed pressure into levels indicative of the amount of breathing gas remaining in the breathing gas supply. These levels are transmitted via radio frequency to the receiver. The receiver, which can be mounted in a breathing mask, includes a display for displaying the amount of breathing gas remaining in the associated breathing gas supply.

Abstract: Respiration monitoring equipment comprises, in one embodiment, a medical face mask (2), adapted to be located adjacent, or to cover a patient's nostrils and/or mouth; a transducer (7) adapted to be impinged by the patient's inspired and/or expired breaths, being sensitive to the presence and/or absence of a respiratory air flow, and being capable of emitting electrical signals in accordance with the presence and/or absence of a respiratory air flow; and a monitoring unit (9) electrically connected to the transducer (7) and responsive to the presence and/or absence of signals emitted by the transducer (7), and including means of triggering at least an alarm signal in the circumstances of non-detection of respiratory air flow within one or more predetermined parameters. Another embodiment provides for “cordless” monitoring, with a transmitter unit (11) at the face mask (2) and a receiver (12) at the monitoring unit (9).

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: Methods and apparatus for enhancing reliability of, and monitoring, the operation of airway valves to enhance patient safety. Pneumatic control line pressure (positive or negative) for actuation of the airway valve may be specified at a given magnitude or within a selected range and monitored continuously. Reduced or excessive pressure may be compensated by actuation of a pressure source or a bleed valve, and monitoring may be effected so as to warn the user of any deviation from the range, or deviations of selected magnitudes or frequencies or a combination thereof. The inspired volume of CO2 may be monitored using air flow and CO2 sensing, with detection of excessive CO2 volume triggering a warning. Similarly, measured end-tidal or end-inspired CO2 or other appropriate measures of CO2 concentration may be employed as a warning trigger. Other driving energy sources for airway valves, and monitoring thereof, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A warning device for a respirator product with a valve (11), which comes into action in a state of warning and releases a gas flow. The warning does not hinder the user of the apparatus and only a very small portion of the gas supply carried with the user is used by the warning device. The gas flow is brought into the range of perception of a person via a scent cartridge (9).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for a gas delivery and monitoring system for delivering a gas product to a patient and receiving a gas product exhaled from a patient. In an embodiment, the gas delivery and monitoring system includes a head support made of resilient material and having therein a facial cavity. The facial cavity is configured to fit the contours of a patient's face and provides an oxygen rich environment for the patient while undergoing a medical procedure. In an embodiment, the facial cavity is shaped substantially in the form of a figure eight. In an embodiment, the facial cavity is further provided with one or more segmented edges that can be removed to further shape the facial cavity to the contours of the patient's face. In an embodiment, tubing is used to deliver oxygen from an oxygen source to the patient. Similarly, tubing is also used to receive carbon dioxide exhaled by the patient so that it might be measured by a carbon dioxide monitor.

Abstract: The system and method for detecting disconnection and occlusion of a tubing system of a patient ventilator detects disconnection of the tubing system, opens the exhalation valve, delivers an idle flow of breathing gas to the tubing system, disables breath triggering, and generates an alarm. A reconnection of the tubing system can also be detected, to initiate resumption of pressure supported inspiration. For occlusion detection, the pressure drop in the tubing system is determined by pressure sensors in the inspiratory and expiratory airways of the tubing system. The two pressure drop values are compared, and once occlusion is detected, an alarm is generated, and the ventilator responds to protect the patient from over distension. Abatement of the occlusion can also be monitored in a pressure based occlusion status cycling mode, and the ventilator can revert back to normal ventilation when the circuit occlusion or exhaust port occlusion are not detected.

Abstract: This invention provides a medical diagnosis and therapy system particularly adapted for the combined uses of emergency cardiac defibrillation and pulmonary oxygen administration, including automated patient cardiopulmonary assessment and voice prompted therapy and resuscitation: electrocardio diagnosis/monitoring/defibrillation and electropulmonary blood oximetry/oxygen administration. The system has a case having access opening(s) and clear cover(s) to view the apparatus and contents, to dispel all doubt as to know how to open the case and to make it easy for a user to quickly find and use the various components.