Abstract: An Expiratory breathing simulator device is provided and configured to simulate a real patient's End Tidal CO2 (ETCO2). The device is configured to be used with a vital signs simulator to simulate a patient's behaviour on a medical monitoring apparatus, for example for training medical professionals.

Abstract: A cuff assembly for an airway tube includes an outer bladder and an inner cuff. The inner cuff is positioned adjacent to the airway tube, and the outer bladder is positioned adjacent to the inner cuff. The outer bladder is made with a less elastic material and operates at a higher relative pressure. The inner cuff is made with a more elastic or hyper-elastic material and operates at a lower relative pressure. A pressure controller independently adjusts the pressure within the inner cuff and the outer bladder. A secretion collection receptacle is formed by the cuff assembly and is evacuated via a suction catheter or channel.

Abstract: A device for performing a tracheotomy on a patient without the assistance of a medical professional. The device may include one or more mechanical arms that cause a blade to create an incision, cause a dilating tool to dilate the incision, and cause a tracheotomy tube to be inserted into the incision. The device may further include a scanner and/or a hollow needle connected to an air pressure sensor that may be used to detect whether the device is aligned with the patient's airway.

Abstract: The invention concerns a manual resuscitation bag having a first PEP exhaust valve (4) arranged in a first conduit element (3) and fluidly communicating with the ambient atmosphere for venting gas to the atmosphere when the gas pressure, into the first conduit element (3), exceeds a given pressure threshold. The first PEP exhaust valve (4) has a valve body (5) and a calibration mechanism (6, 12; 7-10) for setting a desired pressure threshold. The calibration mechanism (6, 12; 7-10) is a rotatable member (6), actuatable by a user, arranged on the valve body (5) and cooperating with a pressure adjusting device (7-10) arranged into the valve body (5), and a support member (12) comprising several markings (11) corresponding to several settable pressure values, arranged between the rotatable member (6) and the valve body (5).

Abstract: An aerosol delivery system including a first engagement mechanism, a first power supply, and a first vaporizer, wherein the first vaporizer is arranged to selectively receive power from the first power supply to generate a first aerosol from a first aerosol precursor material for user inhalation; and a second aerosol delivery device including a second engagement mechanism, a second power supply, and a second vaporizer, wherein the second vaporizer is arranged to selectively receive power from the second power supply to generate a second aerosol from a second aerosol precursor material for user inhalation; wherein the first engagement mechanism of the first aerosol delivery device and the second engagement mechanism of the second aerosol delivery device are arranged to releasably co-engage with one another to selectively couple the first aerosol delivery device to the second aerosol delivery device so the first aerosol delivery device and the second aerosol delivery device may be used together to deliver the f

Abstract: A face mask including a mask assembly and a hole punch assembly is disclosed. The mask assembly includes a face mask which includes a mouth portion and a nose portion. Additionally, the face mask is made of a transparent material allowing other individuals to identify the user wearing the mask. Furthermore, the face mask includes two embodiments of strap attachments. In one embodiment a single strap is used to secure the face mask to a user's head. In another embodiment, two strap loops are used to secure the face mask to a user's ears. The hole punch assembly includes a hole punch rod that is used to create openings on the face mask. The hole punch rod is used to create openings on the mouth portion and nose portion of the face mask. A medical professional may utilize these openings to collect samples from a patient wearing the mask.

Abstract: Neurosurgical apparatus has a guidance device having a guide tube and a neurosurgical instrument for insertion into the guide tube. The inner surface of the guide tube is arranged, for example profiled, to at least partially engage the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument when inserted therein. The guide tube thus guides the neurosurgical instrument along a predefined path through the guide tube. At least one of the guidance device and the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument are configured to provide a fluid return path for carrying any fluid displaced from within the guide tube during insertion of the neurosurgical instrument into the guide tube. A seal may also be provided for sealing the fluid return path.

Abstract: A mechanical ventilator is provided that includes a dashboard display identifying a patient's current ventilatory status within a global or universal ventilatory mechanics map. This dashboard display is dynamically updated with the patient's condition, and shows trends in the patient's ventilation over time. The map identifies suggested safe and unsafe regions of ventilation for the patient, and the ventilator can display informational texts, trigger auditory and/or visual alarms, and transmit alarm communications in response to determining that the patient is approaching or has entered an unsafe region.

Abstract: A device is provided that humidifies breathing gas. The device has a chamber with an inlet and an outlet. A chemical heater is positioned within the chamber and a trigger activates the heater. The chamber can be a conduit with an inner wall and an outer wall with a reservoir defined therebetween. The chemical heater can be positioned within the reservoir.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube that is particularly useful for surgical operations on a patient's lower face. The endotracheal tube comprises a swivel segment and a laryngeal segment that are rotatably joined. To facilitate relocation of the endotracheal tube during surgery, the swivel segment can be swiveled in relation to the laryngeal segment. To allow instruments to be inserted, the swivel segment has a lumen access port that opens into the lumen of the swivel segment. The laryngeal segment may have a reinforced portion to prevent occlusion or damage by the patient biting. Also disclosed are methods for performing surgery on a patient's face using the endotracheal tube and methods of intubating a patient's airway using the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A bougie is disclosed with a body, and a first depth indicator and a second depth indicator on the body. The body has a first end, a second end, and at least one surface extending between the first and second ends. The first depth indicator is spaced a first distance from the first end and indicates a first predetermined depth range such that the first end is positioned a first predetermined insertion range past the mouth of the patient when the body is positioned into the mouth of the patient. The second depth indicator is spaced a second distance from the second end and indicates a second predetermined depth range such that the second end is positioned a second predetermined insertion range past the mouth when the body is positioned into the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: Secretions that have accumulated at or near an airway of a subject as the subject is being mechanically ventilated are removed by suctioning. Before, during, and/or after the removal of the secretions, steps are taken to mitigated the impact of the suctioning used for secretion removal on the subject. As such, the timing of suction used to remove secretions may be influenced or controlled, ventilation of the subject during suction may be adjusted, ventilation of the subject prior to secretion removal may be adjusted to prepare the lungs of the subject for secretion removal, ventilation of the subject subsequent to suction for secretion removal may be adjusted, and/or other techniques for reducing the impact of suctioning for secretion removal on the subject may be implemented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic fluidic systems and methods for the in vitro modeling diseases of the lung and small airway. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a system for testing responses of a microfluidic Small Airway-on-Chip infected with one or more infectious agents (e.g. respiratory viruses) as a model of respiratory disease exacerbation (e.g. asthma exacerbation). In one embodiment, this disease model on a microfluidic chip allows for a) the testing of anti-inflammatory and/or anti-viral compounds introduced into the system, as well as b) the monitoring of the participation, recruitment and/or movement of immune cells, including the transmigration of cells. In particular, this system provides, in one embodiment, an in-vitro platform for modeling severe asthma as “Severe Asthma-on-Chip.” In some embodiments, this invention provides a model of viral-induced asthma in humans for use in identifying potentially effective treatments.

Abstract: A pressure support system for providing pressure support therapy to a patient, the pressure support device includes an airflow generator structured to generate a flow of breathing gas to the patient, a temperature conditioning unit structured to adjust a temperature of the breathing gas provided to the patient, and a processing unit structured to estimate a core body temperature of the patient for selected times of day based on one or more inputs and to control the temperature conditioning unit to adjust temperature of the breathing provided to the patient at the selected times of day based on the estimated core body temperatures of the patient.

Abstract: A respiration assistance device includes a nasal respiration assisting section for supplying a gas to the nasal cavity of a living body. The nasal respiration assisting section includes: a first gas supplying portion which supplies a gas below one of the nostrils of the living body; a second gas supplying portion which supplies the gas below the other nostril of the living body; a first tube connecting portion to which a tube for supplying the gas to the first gas supplying portion is connectable; and a second tube connecting portion to which a tube for supplying the gas to the second gas supplying portion is connectable.

Abstract: An intubation device for use in an endotracheal intubation procedure includes: a laryngoscope blade having a tip and a base; a handle attached to the base of the blade; a channel, the channel including a blade channel portion extending along the blade substantially from the tip to the base and including an outlet proximate to the tip and a handle channel portion extending partially along the handle from the blade channel portion; and a tube movement mechanism in the handle, the tube movement mechanism including a thumb interface.

Abstract: An airway management device comprising a body having a proximal end for receiving an oxygen supply tube and an distal end for insertion into a trachea of a patient; said body including a linear portion adjacent to the proximal end and a curved portion adjacent to the distal end; said body including an external shell and having a first bore through said shell for receiving the oxygen supply tube; wherein flexural strength for said airway management device is provided by said shell.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a drive motor, a drive tube, a firing rod and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a first longitudinal axis. The drive motor is disposed at least partially within the housing. The drive tube is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive motor and is rotatable about a drive tube axis extending through the drive tube. The firing rod is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive tube and at least a portion of the firing rod is translatable with respect to the drive tube. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the endoscopic portion and is in mechanical cooperation with the firing rod so that the firing rod drives a surgical function of the end effector.

Abstract: A sleep apnea syndrome symptom improvement aid 1 includes a sandwiching target 10 sandwiched by front teeth of a patient, a tongue presser 20 extending from the sandwiching target 10 to the vicinity of the soft palate of the patient and including an elastic body configured to press the tongue, and a detector 30 configured to detect at least one of a vital sign or a salivary component of the patient.

Abstract: An air-pulse generating device includes a membrane structure, a valve structure, and a cover structure. A chamber is formed between the membrane structure, the valve structure and the cover structure. An air wave vibrating at an operating frequency is formed within the chamber. The valve structure is configured to be actuated to perform an open-and-close movement to form at least one opening. The at least one opening connects air inside the chamber with air outside the chamber. The open-and-close movement is synchronous with the operating frequency.

Abstract: A CPAP device includes a flow generator with a blower configured to pressurize the flow of respiratory gas. A flexible face seal is positioned at an outlet end of a blower discharge path. The flexible face seal includes an aperture and a lip curling inwardly from a perimeter of the flexible face seal. A tub configured to hold a body of water and humidify the pressurized flow of respiratory gas includes a heat conducting base plate and a side wall. The side wall has a substantially flat portion that surrounds an air inlet opening. A base supports both the flow generator and the tub and includes a floor with a heater plate. A laterally positioned guide prevents the tub from being removed from the base in a vertical direction and includes a pair of C-shaped channel portions with open sides that face each other.

Abstract: A retainer includes a first arcuate wall and a second arcuate wall that together define a channel designed to receive a medical article. The retainer has an open configuration wherein a first end of the first arcuate wall is spaced away from a first end of the second arcuate wall, and a closed configuration wherein the first end of the first arcuate wall is adjacent the first end of the second arcuate wall. A second end of the first arcuate wall opposite the first end of the arcuate wall may be spaced away from the base in the open configuration and pressed against the base in the closed configuration. The retainer also may include a first support and a second support fixed to the base, and a first and second flexible coupling connecting the first and second supports to the first and second arcuate walls.

Abstract: This invention provides devices and systems and methods therefrom for properly controlling negative pressure applied to oral cavity, facilitating breathing and treating sleep apnea and snoring. The systems comprise a negative pressure system providing a vacuum source and an oral device comprising a shield, a tube passing through the shield, a flexible negative pressure deliverable part connected to the shield or the tube, an optional tongue protector, where the negative pressure deliverable part is conformable to the contour of the upper palate. Negative pressure is delivered to the front and back zones inside the oral cavity via the negative pressure deliverable part to eliminate air space in the oral cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a negative pressure source can provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path to a wound dressing comprising a stabilizing structure. The stabilizing structure can be inserted into a wound and collapse upon application of negative pressure to the wound when the stabilizing structure is positioned in the wound. A controller can in turn determine a measure of collapse of the stabilizing structure from a pressure in the fluid flow path while the negative pressure source maintains a magnitude of the pressure in the fluid flow path within a negative pressure range. The controller can output an indication responsive to the measure of collapse.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting particles through a patient's trachea into the respiratory system include a delivery tube having at least a ventilation lumen and a particle delivery lumen. The delivery tube has a centering device near its distal tip, such as a balloon eccentrically mounted on the tube to position an outlet of the particle delivery lumen near a centerline of the trachea above the carina branching into the right and left bronchus. A proximal end of the delivery tube connects to a source of particles, and a controller may be provided to adjust a rate and/or an amount of the particles delivered to the patient. In a specific example, frozen particles are delivered to control core body temperature. In other instances, the particle may be a medicament or other substance for effecting other therapies or diagnostic procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating microbial infections and their associated complications in humans. The method includes administering to a patient, a composition of dextrose and ethanol. The composition can be administered in the form of an infusion. For patients suffering from respiratory complications, the disclosed method also provides for enhancing oxygen uptake by lungs and reducing oxygen resistance through the administration of air having helium gas and excited oxygen atoms.

Abstract: A hemodialysis vascular access device includes a proximal end sized and shaped to sealably couple to a hemodialysis catheter, a movable structure coupled to the proximal end, a fixation structure coupled to the movable region and sized and shaped for fixation on a patient, an elongated sleeve coupled to the fixation structure and sized and shaped for insertion into a patient's vasculature, and a valve at a distal end of the internal lumen. When a hemodialysis catheter is inserted into the device and coupled to the proximal end, distal movement of the proximal end relative to the fixation structure biases a distal end of the hemodialysis catheter from a position inside the elongated sleeve through a valve out of the device and into the patient's blood.

Abstract: A medical supportable variable tracheal tube ventilation device, having a tracheal tube main body having a telescopic length; the tracheal tube main body comprises a telescopic tracheal tube main tube achieved by compressible sections and a variable tracheal tube head coupled to one end of the tracheal tube main tube; the tracheal tube head is made of a material shapable according to different temperatures; the variable tracheal tube head is a compressed cone, and by airflow inflation, the compressed cone of the variable tracheal tube head expands and opens to the cylindrical shape; an outer side of the tracheal tube main body is sleeved with a tracheal tube sealing cuff, and the tracheal tube sealing cuff is disposed proximal to the variable tracheal tube head; another end of the tracheal tube main tube is connected with a tracheal tube connector.

Abstract: A medical device system and method including an endotracheal tube configured for insertion into a patients mouth or nose are disclosed. The endotracheal tube may include an outer cannula extending from a proximal end to a distal end configured to be positioned between in a patient's trachea. The outer cannula may include a lumen extending from a first opening defined in the proximal end to a second opening defined in the distal end. The endotracheal tube may further include an inner cannula removably positioned in the lumen of the outer cannula. The inner cannula may include a proximal end that extends outwardly from the first opening of the outer cannula, a distal end positioned adjacent to the distal end of the outer cannula, and a passageway extending through the distal and proximal ends of the inner cannula.

Abstract: Vascular access devices and methods of their use are provided. In one embodiment, a vascular access device includes a catheter (112) and at least one deployable wire (134). The catheter includes a primary lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the catheter. The at least one deployable wire is secured to the catheter and configured to move relative to the catheter between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A medical fluid suspension generating apparatus includes a Venturi-agitating tip assembly, a source of pressurized chemical solution, a source of a medical solution, and a dual lumen catheter connecting the Venturi-agitating tip assembly to the source of pressurized chemical solution and the source of the medical solution.

Abstract: A therapeutic intubation device may comprise a tube, a first probe channel, a second probe channel, a first probe and a second probe. In various embodiments, a tube may have an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end. The body may define a first channel between the proximal end and the distal end. A first probe channel may be defined in the body. A second probe channel defined in the body. A first probe may comprise a first body portion and a first end portion, the first end portion comprising a first ultraviolet-c (“UVC”) light emitting device. The first probe may be installable the first probe channel such that the first end portion of the first probe is adjacent the distal end of the tub during operation.

Abstract: A device for performing a tracheotomy on a patient without the assistance of a medical professional. The device may include one or more mechanical arms that cause a blade to create an incision, cause a dilating tool to dilate the incision, and cause a tracheotomy tube to be inserted into the incision. The device may further include a scanner and/or a hollow needle connected to an air pressure sensor that may be used to detect whether the device is aligned with the patient's airway.

Abstract: Disclosed is a respiratory treatment apparatus that may be especially helpful for pediatric patients, though it may be useful for patients of all ages. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an endotracheal tube that is physically coupled to a bronchial blocker in a non-concentric fashion. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises an endotracheal tube that is physically coupled to a steering balloon apparatus. The endotracheal tube, bronchial blocker, and/or steering balloon apparatus may be non-unitary components that are attachable to one another with one or more attachment structures, and once physically coupled, may be put to use. The endotracheal tube and bronchial blocker and steering balloon apparatus may be selected from a plurality of endotracheal tubes and bronchial blockers and steering balloon apparatus, to create an assembled apparatus that meets the needs of the patient.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask apparatus includes a mask portion, a breathing tube and a suction tube. The suction tube is adapted for connection to a suction-producing device. The suction tube further includes suction ports that suck fluids and secretions from the patient's hypopharyngeal region when suction is created within the interior of the suction tube. The breathing tube is adapted for connection to a ventilating system. Air flows through the breathing tube and into the mask portion. A capillary tube is positioned within the interior of the suction tube. When the mask portion is positioned within a patient's throat and suction is created within interior of the suction tube, the suction ports suck the fluids and secretions in the patient's hypopharyngeal region. At the same time, the suction tube and capillary tube cooperate to provide a stream of air that decreases the direct suction forces on the mucosa of the patient's throat that are caused by the suction ports.

Abstract: A receiver for securing at least one tube in a patient includes a shell operable in a first position for receiving the tube and a second position for securing the tube, and a compressible member supported by the shell for contacting the tube in the second position. A bridle looped around the patient's septum may also be secured in the second position. A system for securing the tube includes a receiver and an applier. The applier supports the receiver in the first position and transitions the receiver from the first position to the second position after the tube is positioned within the receiver. A method of securing a tube includes positioning the tube in a patient, placing a flexible member around the patient's nasal septum, receiving the tube and flexible member in a shell supported by an applier, and operating the applier to move the shell to a closed position.

Abstract: A tracheal tube assembly includes an outer cannula configured to be positioned in a patient airway and an inner cannula configured to be disposed inside the outer cannula. The tracheal tube assembly further includes a flange member secured about the outer cannula, and an outer cannula connector coupled to a proximal end of the outer cannula. The inner cannula includes a compressible proximal end region that is compressed while secured inside the outer cannula connector.

Abstract: Methods of preventing and treating an ear infection comprising insertion of a tympanostomy tube comprised of a least one anti-biotic agent.

Abstract: A laryngoscope insertion section comprising a tube guide including at least an inferior tube guiding member and a superior tube guiding member, wherein the thickness of the insertion section in a first region is less than the external diameter of the largest diameter endotracheal tube in an operating range of endotracheal tube sizes plus the thickness of the inferior tube guiding member plus the thickness of the superior tube guiding member. Typically, the insertion section comprises an elongate member and the tube guide is lateral of the elongate member. Typically, an endotracheal tube is retained within the tube guide in flexural tension.

Abstract: A conduit for delivering a supply of gas under a positive pressure includes a conduit wall having a first conduit end and a second conduit end. The first conduit end is adapted to be attached to the supply of gas. The conduit wall is deformable between (a) an open condition in which the conduit wall defines a conduit passage along which the supply of gas can travel between the first conduit end to the second conduit end, and (b) a collapsed condition in which the conduit wall substantially collapses the conduit passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement (1) comprising a switchable connection (2) and a gas flow reversing element (3), e.g.

Abstract: An assembly for intubation, as provided herein, may include a cricothyroidotomy tube that can receive a malleable bougie allowing the cricothyroidotomy tube to take the shape of the bougie so that the cricothyroidotomy tube can be placed in a patient. A guide device can receive the bougie so that the bougie can be manipulated with the guide device to assist with insertion of the cricothyroidotomy tube in the patient. A bougie opening can be defined in the guide device for receiving a proximal end of the bougie to position the proximal end out of the way of a care giver to reduce interference that can be caused by the proximal end. Markings on the bougie can illustrate where to position the bougie to allow a predetermined amount of the bougie to extend from the cricothyroidotomy tube.

Abstract: A cleaning tube may have an expansion portion that includes two or more slits. The cleaning tube may be deployed by linearly compressing the expansion portion, thus causing the tube to bulge into a disc through expansion of the slits. A sheath may cover the expansion portion to seal the slits. So deployed, the cleaning tube may be translated in a contaminated tube to remove contamination.

Abstract: A patient respiratory interface for use in an aerosol delivery system is disclosed. The interface may provide a mechanism for introducing an aerosolized medicament to infants without the need for invasive intubation when treating issues in infants such as infant respiratory distress syndrome. The interface may include an outer body formed in the shape of a pacifier where the insertion portion of the pacifier may be hollow and have an opening to guide a catheter or other tubing that may be passed through a flange and the insertion portion of the interface. The catheter may be recessed from or extend slightly out of the tip of the insertion portion so that a flow of nebulized medicament may be delivered to the patient's oropharynx in aerosol form.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for holding an endotracheal tube. The device includes a rail having opposite ends and a plurality of grooves at least partially along the length of the rail between the opposite ends. The device also includes a tube holder coupled to and slidable relative to the rail between the opposite ends. The tube holder includes at least one lever arm partially received with the grooves of the rail to allow lateral repositioning of the tube holder relative to the rail, a tie having a slit and a plurality of teeth, a base extending away from a patient relative to the at least one lever arm, and a tab extending laterally from the tube holder with the tab configured to be received within the slit of the tie. The base includes a pawl configured to engage at least one of teeth of the tie.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tracheostoma protection device for covering a tracheostoma, comprising an open-cell foam cloth, an adhesive strip and an air-impermeable region arranged distally on the foam cloth and associated with the tracheostoma, the tracheostoma being concealable by means of the air-impermeable region. During use of the tracheostoma protection, the foam cloth can by moved at least to some degree outwardly from a contact surface about the tracheostoma.

Abstract: A urinary catheter and container are described. The urinary catheter may have a catheter shaft attached to a handle, and a coating disposed on an outer surface of the catheter shaft. The coating may include a hydrogel, water and/or glycerin, and a polyethylene glycol (PEG). The PEG may have a molecular weight equal to or less than 600, for example one or more of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 300 and PEG 400. The coating may be applied in a wet state and remain wet for an extended period of time in the container, thereby obviating the need for a lubricant, such as a water sachet or gel package, to accompany the catheter in the container. The container may include a gas impermeable foil material. The container may include an adhesive tab covering a perforated section, the adhesive tab including a pull loop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a medical airway passage device suitable for maintaining an airway for a patient is provided. The medical airway passage device includes a novel coupler device designed to prevent contamination, infection, and unwanted discharge of patient fluids and solids during usage. The coupler includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the coupler to a breathing tube and thus preventing unintentional decoupling of the coupler from the breathing tube. The coupler also includes a self-sealing suction port for removing patient discharges. The coupler further includes a filter for enabling the free flowing passage of airflow but prevention of the flow of patient discharges.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter (12) comprising longitudinally spaced acoustic emitters (S1, S2) and receivers (M1, M2, M3) for use in determining the locations of obstructions in an upper airway of a patient. A plurality of emitters and plurality of receivers are provided, such that, when inserted into an upper airway or oral cavity, the relative attenuation of signals received at each receiver from each emitter may be used to determine the existence and/or extent of obstructions located along the propagation path between each of the various emitter-receiver pairs. Also provided are methods for determining the locations of obstructions in an upper airway using signals received from acoustic receivers as comprised by catheter arrangements according to embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A tracheostoma prosthesis having inner and outer cannulas is provided with a lockable connection for releasably locking the inner cannula to the outer cannula under the influence only of compressive force for locking and tensile force for unlocking. Surfaces on a proximal part of the inner cannula for gripping by a thumb and forefinger are exposed by recesses provided in a proximal part of the outer cannula. These surfaces permit manual application of sufficient compressive and tensile force to respectively lock and unlock the lockable connection.