Abstract: A breathing regulator especially suited for use in scuba diving comprises an externally adjustable flow vane or deflector to redirect a portion of inlet high velocity air towards the diaphragm of a venturi initiated vacuum assist-type regulator configuration. The flow vane interrupts and redirects a selected portion of the air stream thereby balancing the low pressure area adjacent the diaphragm at a constant level throughout the breathing cycle. As a result, the diver can adjust his inhalation effort requirements to be constant throughout the breathing cycle.

Abstract: A resuscitation apparatus for use during medical procedures is disclosed. The device comprises a squeeze bag having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, and a specifically configured valve joined to the bag over the gas outlet. The valve housing includes a squeeze bag port in flow communication with the gas outlet opening, a patient port and an exhalation port. The valve disposed in the housing includes a portion for directing fluid from the squeeze bag through the patient port during inhalation or forced respiration and through the exhalation port during exhalation. Another portion of the valve closes off the exhalation port during inhalation or forced respiration such that fluid from the squeeze bag is directed to the patient.

Abstract: An exhalation valve assembly for use in a volume ventilator circuit is disclosed that comprises a valve body defining a chamber with a gas inlet conduit and a gas outlet conduit, both in flow communication with the chamber. A diaphragm extends across the chamber and selectively closes off the gas inlet conduit. A concentric ring support structure is disposed concentrically about the gas inlet conduit and is configured so as to support a portion of the diaphragm over the chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupling connector attachable to and detachable from a respirator mask. The connector comprises a chamber which is arranged to be in communication with the mask in the attached position, a tube for connection to a source of pressurized breathing gas, a valve to admit or interrupt the gas flow, a pressure gauge device sensing the relative pressure prevailing within the chamber, and means of positively interlinking the said valve with the pressure gauge device.According to the invention the connector has a feeler which is released or inserted depending on whether it is attached to the mask or not, said feeler being associated with the interlinkage means via means modifying the mode of operation, which are arranged to establish an operational mode under negative pressure or overpressure automatically depending on whether the feeler is free or inserted.The connector is intended for respirator devices shut off in the open circuit condition.

Abstract: In a demand valve for breathing apparatus gas flow is controlled by a main valve disc in accordance with the pressure in a control chamber. Gas vents from the control chamber through a bleed orifice at a rate dependent upon the deflection of a diaphragm sensitive to respiration and which controls the spacing of a spring arm from the bleed orifice. The arm has a set spacing from the orifice such as to provide "positive pressure" operation of the valve when the valve is connected into the inlet of an associated breathing mask. A lever on the valve contacts the mask inlet and acts through a pin to bias the arm to its "positive pressure" setting through a second spring arm. When the valve is disconnected the lever drops to allow the two arms to relax so that the first arm moves closer to the control chamber bleed orifice and thereby shuts off gas flow past the main valve disc.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for the inlet tube of a spirometer is formed to engage the inlet end of the tube and has a radially extending part or parts for preventing reverse fitting. An apertured valve seating has a valve diaphragm of flexible material for obstructing the return flow of air to the patient's mouth. The seating may have a projecting rim for engagement with the peripheral region of the diaphragm, and the diaphragm is preferably mounted so that it is planar on first engagement therewith. A ring may be arranged to be contacted by the diaphragm after initial bulging by back-pressure. Further deformation of the diaphragm is thereby controlled so that its peripheral region remains in engagement with the rim.

Abstract: A breathing valve having a valve chamber connectable to a gas supply and to a breathing device, a gas flow opening for exit of exhaled gases through which atmospheric air may be inducted into the chamber, a valve member in the chamber, a one-way flow opening in the valve member through which gas may flow from the chamber for breathing, and preventing return flow in the opposite direction, a movable valve closure forming part of the valve member movable into and out of sealing engagement with the exit gas flow opening, and a pressure responsive device in the valve member responsive to obstruction of gas flow into the chamber and further responsive to inspiratory effort by a patient to cause the valve member to move away from the exit gas flow opening for permitting air flow through the exit gas flow opening into the chamber for inhalation.

Abstract: A combined inhalation/exhalation valve for use on a breathing mask for high altitude flights comprises a housing carried by the mask and connectable to a demand regulator. A one-part diaphragm located in the housing controls gas flow. The diaphragm has a cup whose bottom wall is provided with a radial lip seal cooperating with an exhalation seat. The cup is annular. It defines a tore-shaped chamber subjected to the compensation pressure, e.g. to the pressure which prevails in the exhalation line of the regulator connected to the valve. The bottom wall of the cup is further provided with a lip constituting the movable element of an inhalation valve.

Abstract: A commutator feeding device for a demand valve, comprising a transducer adapted for controlling the movement of a shutter element for feeding predetermined quantities of air into a chamber of said demand valve in response to a pressure variation taking place inside said chamber, said transducer being activated following the shifting of a deformable membrane. The device comprises a spring, disposed inside a small piston, adapted for resting on said membrane, said small piston being provided with radial stakes or spokes, each one of which is adapted to rest on the active surface of a corresponding helicoidal profile cam, with manually operable actuating means being predisposed for controlling the rotation of said small piston around its own axis, and hence the axial shifting of the small piston itself in the spring-compressing sense.

Abstract: A pneumatically amplified conservation valve controls a flow of gas, such as oxygen, to a hospital patient. A sense tube monitors pressure variations as a result of exhalation by the user. The exhalation pressure variation deflects a diaphragm which closes a check valve that serves to vent gas through a bleed port. When the check valve closes the bleed gas is restricted in a chamber which deflects the diaphragm which in turn drives a connector that pushes a plunger to close a port that is connected to the source of gas through a supply tube. The gas is normally supplied through the supply tube and a normally open pneumatic valve to an output tube and then to the user. The pneumatically amplified conservation valve provides gas to the user except when the user is exhaling thereby substantially saving the amount of gas that must be provided to a user.

Abstract: A diaphragm and exhaust valve for an underwater breathing apparatus second stage regulator are combined to conserve breathing gas during all orientations of the diver, to provide smooth operation of the diaphragm without interference from exhaust bubbles, and to provide unrestricted exhaust flow. In addition, the diaphragm and exhaust valve are fabricated and installed as a single component.

Abstract: An exhalation valve assembly for use in a volume ventilator circuit is disclosed. The valve assembly comprises a valve body defining a chamber with a gas inlet conduit and a gas outlet conduit, both in flow communication with the chamber. A diaphragm extends across the chamber and selectively closes off the gas inlet conduit. Upwardly extending strut members are disposed on an inside surface of the valve body and are used to position a removable ring member adjacent the diaphragm. The ring member is configured so as to support a portion of the diaphragm over the chamber.