Abstract: To reduce the suffering of the patient and enable easier removal of excess fluid such as pleural effusion fluid from the chest space, the disclosure provides a catheter for chest drainage intended for removal of excess fluid from a chest space of a living body and to be placed in the living body in such a manner as to extend from an inside of the chest space to an outside of the living body. The catheter includes a passage member formed of a flexible sheet and having a passage through which the excess fluid is to be drained, and an indwelling member formed of an elastic body and provided at a proximal end of the passage member. The indwelling member has an inlet that allows the excess fluid to flow through. The indwelling member includes a retaining portion spreading in a flange shape and being retainable at a chest wall.

Abstract: A face mask has a mask body, at least one supporting strip, and two ear loops. The mask body has a top edge and a bottom edge disposed opposite each other, and has two lateral edges disposed opposite each other. Each one of the at least one supporting strip is elongated, is bendable, is disposed at a middle position on the mask body, and extends toward the two lateral edges. The two ear loops are respectively connected to the two lateral edges of the mask body. The at least one supporting strip holds up the mask body to form a space between the mask body and the wearer's face. The at least one supporting strip keeps the mask body from collapsing, and keeps the mask body from contacting the wearer's face during breathing.

Abstract: A device for capturing momentarily an exhaled breath of a COVID 19 patient containing active SARS-CoV-2 virions within an accessible compartment of said device and converting said active SARS-CoV-2 virions into far-UVC inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virions by exposure to an activated 222 nm far-UVC lamp mounted in said accessible compartment and with the next inhaled breath of said COVID 19 patient said far-UVC inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virions are positioned within the respiratory system ready to be captured by an antigen-presenting cells such as the Dendritic cells (DCs) which are antigen-presenting cells that capture, process, and present antigens to lymphocytes to initiate and regulate the adaptive immune response. Said far-UVC inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virions can be collected from said accessible compartment of said device and processed into viable vaccine that can be administered to front-line workers.

Abstract: A mask for use at an operating pressure substantially equal to atmospheric pressure includes a body with a three-dimensional shaped chamber that is configured to receive a user's mouth and nares and operate at the operating pressure. The mask also includes a nose portion having an uppermost portion sized to avoid contact with the user's nasal ridge and to contact the user's nose along the user's sagittal plane and around at least a portion of the user's nares on an inferior side of the user's nose inferior to the user's nasal ridge. The nose portion is constructed from an at least partially impermeable material to limit airflow toward the user's eyes in use. The mask also includes a positioning and stabilising structure to provide a force to hold the seal forming structure in position against the user.

Abstract: A modular, low profile PAPR system includes a blower, a filter rail chassis removably attachable to an inlet of the blower, a hose system removably attachable to the outlet of the blower, and a removable battery pack. The hose system comprises an ovular outer tube that maintains a generally flat profile for the hose as it extends across or along the operator's body. Two circular air carrying conduits are sealed within such ovular outer tube against outside contamination and provide a flat, small profile tube system that resists hoop stress applied to the outside of the hose, provides low resistance against bending, that will not inadvertently kink or seal in low radius turns, and that results in a low profile, non-collapsing hose system for delivering air from a remotely carried blower and filter assembly to the operator's protective mask.

Abstract: An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly. The mask assembly comprises a seal member that has an upper portion movably connected to an integrated lower portion, wherein the upper portion rolls during hinging movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The headgear assembly allows connection to the mask assembly in a direction substantially normal to a direction of strap tension. The connection port assembly includes a swivel elbow with a valve member that controls flow through a port that opens toward the user.

Abstract: A tool, such as a respirator, including a body, an opening defined by the body, a door coupled to the body, and a filter positioned between the body and the filter. The door actuates between open and closed positions. The filter can be removed and replaced when the door is in the open position.

Abstract: A filler device includes a distal housing comprising a distal inner port and a distal outer port; a proximal housing comprising a proximal inner port and a proximal outer port, the proximal housing being sealingly affixed to the distal housing to form an inspiratory pathway between the distal inner port and the proximal inner port and to form an expiratory pathway between the distal outer port and the proximal outer port that is fluidly sealed from the inspiratory pathway, the inspiratory pathway being laterally adjacent the expiratory pathway; and a first filter in the inspiratory pathway or in the expiratory pathway to filter gases flowing through the inspiratory pathway or the expiratory pathway.

Abstract: A sensor system (100) or a sensing method minimizes the loss of aroma chemicals or other analytes in a sample gas while controlling the temperature and humidity of the sample gas. The system (100) may employ a humidifier (120) that adds water vapor to sample gas to provide a known water content, e.g., a saturated humidity at a known temperature. A sensing unit (130) may accurately measure the composition of the sample gas having a known water content, e.g., at a higher known temperature.

Abstract: An anti-fogging face mask can include a main body, a formable seal, and baffles. The main body may include a panel sized for coverage of mouth and nostrils in a donned position of the face mask. The formable seal member may be disposed along an upper portion of the main body and arranged for obstructing vapor flow from the mouth or nostrils to eyewear when the eyewear is positioned over the face mask in the donned position. A first baffle may be extending rearwardly and upwardly away from the formable seal. A second baffle may be positioned below the first baffle and extending rearwardly and upwardly away from the formable seal. A third baffle may be positioned below the second baffle and extending rearwardly and downwardly away from the formable seal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for reducing the inhalation of microorganisms, a washable mask for reducing the inhalation of microorganisms, applications of the mask and a method for manufacturing the same. The method for reducing the inhalation of microorganisms includes the steps of: providing a mask with a breathing zone, the breathing zone being used for covering a breathing part of a user; arranging two or more magnets around the breathing zone of the mask, the magnets generating a three-dimensional magnetic field, so as to change the moving trajectories of charged microorganisms in gas to be inhaled thereby increasing the probability of the microorganisms being captured by the filtering material.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to an apparatus for manipulating one or more characteristics of air to be inhaled. The apparatus includes an outer housing including an outer surface, a hollow interior, and at least one opening formed in the outer housing and extending between the outer surface and the hollow interior. The apparatus includes a manipulation enclosure disposed within the hollow interior of the outer housing, the manipulation enclosure capable of receiving therein an air characteristic manipulation component. A substantially continuous channel is formed between the manipulation enclosure and the outer housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus (100) for quantitative assessment of olfactory dysfunctions and neurocognitive deficits, the apparatus includes first filters (104-1) adapted to sterilize air received from an air pump, a second filter (106) filter odor molecules from the air, a manifold (108) adapted to split the sterilized air into a plurality of channels, at least one channel carries the sterilized air to a first MFC (110) and adjacent channels carry sterilized air to second MFCs (112). Each container in a reservoir (114) filled with an odorant different from adjacent containers, and a nozzle (118) adapted to receive the odorized air from the reservoir that is inhaled by a subject through an odor delivery unit (124), based on degree of variation in volumetric concentration of the odorants, quantitative assessment of olfactory dysfunction is determined.

Abstract: A face mask assembly includes a body shell having walls arranged in a three-dimensional configuration having an open back and interior area partially air impermeable. The front wall includes a vent portion permeable to airflow. An outer shell includes walls coupled in a polygonal configuration defining an open back and interior area that receives the body shell. The outer shell walls are permeable to an ambient airflow. A rain shield having moisture impermeable walls has a configuration complementary to that of the outer shell and is releasably coupled to a front surface of the outer shell, such as with embedded complementary magnets or eyelet openings. The facemask assembly includes an ultraviolet (“UV”) light assembly in the body interior area adjacent the vent portion, or in the interior of the rain shield and adjacent the vent portion, the UV light assembly producing electromagnetic energy capable of suppressing germs when actuated.

Abstract: A respirator cover or second-skin includes a support structure to cover a gas mask or respirator and is provided with cut-outs in the support structure to receive components of the respirator, the second-skin including an interior flexible gasket concentric and spaced from the outer perimeter of the second-skin which seals the cover to the outer surface of the respirator. The second skin serves to provide increased chemical protection to the user of a respirator, as an aid for garment interface, or to anchor a protective hood to the respirator.

Abstract: A trap bowl is provided to accumulate liquid droplets from a filter, as a liquid content. The trap bowl includes a transparent vertical prism. The transparent vertical prism includes a face that forms a vertical transparent surface facing against a content of the section. The face can provide a first angle of total reflection when content of the section is a type of gas, and a second angle of total reflection when the content of the section is the liquid content. A light source may emit a light beam incident on the face at an angle of incidence. The angle of incidence results in reflection of the light beam, striking the light receiver, when the face has the first angle of total reflection, and results in refraction of the light beam, missing the light receiver, when the face has the second angle of total reflection.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting and sequestering waste anesthetic gases released by an anesthetic vaporizer. In one embodiment, a method for an anesthetic vaporizer installed in an anesthesia machine includes detecting an emission of waste anesthetic gases (WAGs) from the anesthetic vaporizer, and responsive to detecting the emission of WAGs, performing at least one of scavenging the WAGs and outputting an alert.

Abstract: Start-up protocols for a device and method for administering NO is described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to respirators where inhaled air and exhaled air are separated into different channels to permit a user to always inhale fresh air. The respirators described herein can filter inhaled air, and optionally exhaled air.

Abstract: A mouth protection device for a respiratory protection system, in particular a blower respiratory protection system, includes at least one mask base body which is configured to cover a mouth and/or nose region of a user and which delimits a breathing zone at least partially, and includes at least one breathing air supply line, which is connected to the mask base body and delimits at least one breathing air channel that ends in the breathing zone and is configured for guiding an active breathing air flow, wherein the mask base body is made at least largely of a flexurally soft material, the mask base body being made at least largely of a textile material.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and device for aiding in the diagnosis of a physiological abnormality resulting in detectable, measurable variations in contents of breathed air. The system includes a handheld unit defining an airway, wherein the airway includes a plurality of sensors adapted to measure a plurality of parameters related to the presence of a physiological abnormality. The system further includes a control unit remotely connected to the handheld unit. The control unit includes a controller adapted to receive input signals from the handheld unit and remit output signals in response thereto. The output signals are usable by a user in determining the presence or absence of a physiological abnormality. The control unit further also can include a display adapted to display the output signals to a user thereby easing the determination of the physiological abnormality. The system further includes a mouthpiece selectively connectable to the handheld unit.

Abstract: A tool, such as a respirator, including a body, an opening defined by the body, a door coupled to the body, and a filter positioned between the body and the filter. The door actuates between open and closed positions. The filter can be removed and replaced when the door is in the open position.

Abstract: The scented filter system for a sanitary face mask is a medical device. The scented filter system for a sanitary face mask is adapted for use with a patient. The scented filter system for a sanitary face mask filters the air that flows through the nose and mouth of a patient. The scented filter system for a sanitary face mask a diffusing structure into a mask. The diffusing structure attaches to the mask. The mask filters the bulk of the air that flows through the nose and mouth of a patient. The diffusing structure: a) filters the balance of the air that flows through the nose and mouth of a patient; and, b) releases a volatile phytochemical into the air that flows through the nose and mouth of a patient.

Abstract: A respirator (10) having an oral-nasal unit (12) with a peripheral seal that seals around the nose and mouth of a wearer's face and having an inlet aperture (40) connectable to a supply of breathable air, and an outlet aperture (42). The unit having a rigid insert (106) with an exterior profile adapted to seat against a correspondingly shaped interior surface of the unit (12); an outlet conduit (112) with a tube adapted to extend through the exhale aperture (40) of the unit (12); and a wing portion (110) with a through aperture (122) registering with the unit's inlet aperture (40). The outlet conduit (112) having a bayonet connector (130, 132) that enables the unit to interchangeably and detachably connect to, a connector formed as part of an exhale aperture of a full-face mask, or of a harness assembly (102). The bayonet connector forms an airtight seal between the two.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a communication device configured to removably attach to a mask, and to receive, transmit, and amplify sound and/or speech from a wearer.

Abstract: A therapeutic gas is administered to a patient. A sample gas is drawn from the therapeutic gas supply, and passed through a water-permeable tubular membrane. Concurrently, a section of the water permeable tubular membrane is maintained as a ventilated water permeable tubular membrane, by exposing outer surfaces of the ventilated water permeable tubular membrane to an ambient air flow. The ambient air flow may in some examples be moved over the tubular membrane via forced air such as for example via a fan associated with a housing surrounding the tubular membrane.

Abstract: A customizable mask system can include a facemask, such as a filtering facepiece respirator, that has a first set of fastening elements integrated into an internal surface of the facemask. The system can also include a customizable mask band adapted to cover at least a portion of an external surface of the facemask. The mask band can have one or more attachment portions positioned on the mask band in locations that correspond to positions of the first set of fastening elements on the facemask and a second set of fastening elements integrated into the attachment portions. The attachment portions of the mask band can wrap around side edges of the external surface of the facemask such that the second set of fastening elements mate with the first set of fastening elements.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a communication device configured to removably attach to a mask, and to receive, transmit, and amplify sound and/or speech from a wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are 2-stage membrane separation methods for capturing CO2 from a feed gas. The methods can employ two selectively permeable membranes, which may be the same or different. The selectively permeable membrane can have a carbon dioxide permeance of from 500 to 3000 GPU at 57° C. and 1 atm feed pressure and a carbon dioxide:nitrogen selectivity of from 10 to 1000 at 57° C. and 1 atm feed pressure. High pressure ratios across the membranes can be achieved by compressing the feed gas to a high pressure, by using vacuum pumps to create a lowered pressure on the permeate side of the membrane, by using a sweep stream, or a combination thereof. When a sweep stream is used, the sweep stream may include a portion of the retentate gas stream obtained from the retentate side of one or more of the membranes used.

Abstract: A respirator includes a frame, a filter layer, and a face seal member. The frame has an outer side and an inner side. The frame defines an opening therethrough. The filter layer is mounted to the outer side of the frame and covers the opening of the frame. The filter layer is configured to prohibit permeation of aerosol, gas, and/or vapor contaminants therethrough. The face seal member is mounted to the inner side of the frame. The face seal member includes a seal contact area configured to engage a facial surface of a wearer. The face seal member incorporates a phase change material therein. The phase change material is configured to provide localized cooling by absorbing heat emitted by the wearer.

Abstract: A self-sterilizing, face mask, respirator, open or enclosed face shield employs germicidal, far UV-C light safe for direct human exposure, mitigating risk of acquisition or transmission of respiratory pathogens, such as COVID 19. Device attachments or special lenses direct far UV-C light into the respiratory chamber and/or reservoir areas of infection including nasal, oropharyngeal or ocular areas to reduce or eliminate pathogens, serving also as a treatment modality. In a preferred embodiment the face shield has a removable front section, which can be exchanged or replaced with sections that include various functional attributes while maintaining germicidal protections and avoiding need to remove PPE during these activities including consumption of liquids, oral medications or food, as well as providing antimicrobial absorbent sneeze or cough guard or rhinorrhea secretion absorption, or a communication device to address communication deficiencies caused by respiratory protection barriers.

Abstract: A filter tube respirator having a filter tube and at least one breathing orifice interface. The filter tube is made of filtration material so that it is gas permeable, is substantially hollow, and has a pair of ends. The breathing orifice interface may include a nose piece, a mouth piece, and a flap piece. The filter tube has a tube breathing hole located between the ends for accepting the breathing orifice interface and has a tube valve hole opposed to the tube breathing hole for accepting a one-way valve. An attachment device selectively connects the filter tube to an individual during use.

Abstract: A virus protection device 16 for protecting a user from a virus 14 includes a first flexible electrode 22 and a second flexible electrode 24 both formed of graphene and connected to a battery. The electrodes 22,24 are configured in a fractal arrangement and define a fractal-like structure 25 comprises a main branch 27 of electrodes 22, 24 and a plurality of side branches 28, secondary branches 30, tertiary branches 32, and subsequent branches 34 extending outwardly from the branch 27. The branches 27,28 30, 32 and 34 together form multiple nodes of flexible opposed positive electrodes 36.1 and negative electrodes 36.2 which are spaced an equal distance apart from one another, to define predetermined spaces there between, through which electrical current is capable of flowing between the electrodes 36.1, 36.2 for incapacitating viruses contacting the device 16 or passing through the spaces between the electrodes 36.1 and 36.2.

Abstract: An oxygen mask configured for CO2 sampling and oxygen delivery, the oxygen mask having an oxygen inlet, a nasal breath-sampling element and a breath sampling port configured to receive breath samples, sampled by the breath-sampling element, wherein the breath-sampling element is configured to reduce dilution of exhaled breath by the delivered oxygen.

Abstract: An apparatus for disease prevention includes a face covering shaped to fit under a facemask of a user. The facemask fits over the nose and the mouth of the user. An ultraviolet (“UV”) emitter is coupled to the face covering and the UV emitter is positioned to expose particles between the face covering and the facemask to UV light. The face covering is positioned between the UV emitter and the face of the user.

Abstract: An anesthetic circuit is provided for treating a patient. The anesthetic circuit includes a membrane having a plurality of hollow fibers. Also provided is a fluid separation apparatus connectable to an anesthetic circuit. In a further embodiment, a method is provided for anesthetic treatment of a patient.

Abstract: A manufactured component, such as headgear or a headgear strap, for a patient interface for delivery of a supply of pressurised air or breathable gas to an entrance of a patient's airways may include a textile portion having a first material with a first melting point. It may also include a plastic portion over-moulded to the textile portion. The plastic portion may be formed of a second material having a second melting point. The melting points may be different such that the second melting point is chosen to be less than the first melting point of the first material. The component may be moulded in a multi-step process that moulds separate portions of the plastic portion and the textile portion at different times. The resulting plastic portion may then have a mechanical bond with the textile and may do so without significant chemical bonding between the plastic portion and the textile.

Abstract: An air purifying respirator includes a dual stage fan that sucks outside air in through the filter canisters and then pushes the filtered air on to the user's mask or hood, where excess air escapes. A differential pressure sensor measures the pressure within the passages after the dual stage fan and in the ambient environment to estimate the user's rate of respiration. The microcontroller monitors the estimated rate of respiration, as well as the estimated altitude and its estimated amount of oxygen to calculate a user's filtered air flow need. The microcontroller adjusts the van via a fan controller to the appropriate air flow level. The microcontroller further monitors the battery level, filter life, and for low pressure within the user's mask and operates their respective indicators when problem levels arise. The battery supplies power to the microcontroller, power on/off button, and the dual stage fan.

Abstract: A filtering device is revealed. The filtering device includes a mask body and a pleated layer. The pleated layer is arranged with a plurality of pleats and is set on the mask body. The surface area of the pleated layer is larger than the surface area of the mask body. Thus the filtration area of the filtering device is increased effectively. The filter effect and the air permeability of the filtering device are further improved.

Abstract: A patient interface for sealed delivery of a flow of air to ameliorate sleep disordered breathing may include: a seal-forming structure to form a pneumatic seal with the entrance to the patient's airways; a positioning and stabilising structure to maintain the seal-forming structure in sealing contact with an area surrounding the entrance to the patient's airways; a plenum chamber pressurised at a pressure above ambient pressure in use; a connection port for the delivery of the flow of breathable gas into the patient interface; and a device positioned within a breathing chamber defined, at least in part, by the seal-forming structure and the plenum chamber, wherein the device divides the breathing chamber into a posterior chamber and an anterior chamber, and wherein the device comprises a plurality of apertures such that turbulence of the air in the posterior chamber is less than turbulence in the air in the anterior chamber.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an impregnated filter material includes preparing at least one impregnating solution comprising sulphate and phosphate; providing a filter material; and impregnating the filter material with at least one impregnating solution, at least once. In this manner, it is possible to manufacture an impregnated filter material for the removal of noxious substances and/or toxins, which includes sulphate and phosphate. The noxious substances and/or toxins can thereby be present in the form of gases and/or vapours.

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that includes a harness 14 and a mask body 12 that has a multi-layer filtering structure 16. The respirator includes a cushioning member 64 positioned proximate the nose area of the mask body 12, enveloped by a layer of the filtering structure 16. The cushioning member 64 is a compressible material and may be elastic. The cushioning member 64 can be positioned directly opposite of a nose clip 56.

Abstract: An air-permeable guard adapted to attach to a covering, the air permeable guard comprising a plurality of layers attached together to create one or more compartments. The guard further comprises at least one agent stored in the one or more compartments wherein the at least one agent may be a counteracting agent, a masking agent or a disinfectant agent. The masking agent may be coffee, oil and self encapsulated oil beadlet. The counteracting agent may be activated charcoal, sodium bicarbonate, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, silica gel and bentonite clay. The disinfectant agent may be a water based coating containing a cationic siloxane. In another embodiment of the invention the compartments may store the agents in a portion of the guard that is adapted to come in contact with the wearer's nostrils.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and device for aiding in the diagnosis of a physiological abnormality resulting in detectable, measurable variations in contents of breathed air. The system includes a handheld unit defining an airway, wherein the airway includes a plurality of sensors adapted to measure a plurality of parameters related to the presence of a physiological abnormality. The system further includes a control unit remotely connected to the handheld unit. The control unit includes a controller adapted to receive input signals from the handheld unit and remit output signals in response thereto. The output signals are usable by a user in determining the presence or absence of a physiological abnormality. The control unit further also can include a display adapted to display the output signals to a user thereby easing the determination of the physiological abnormality. The system further includes a mouthpiece selectively connectable to the handheld unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a respiratory mask for delivering an inhalation fluid to the airways of a wearer. The respiratory mask includes a body of generally concave shape and having a peripheral edge, the body being adapted to provide a cavity in use about the mouth and nose of a wearer such that the inhalation fluid can be inhaled by the wearer from the cavity. The respiratory mask includes a resilient seal formation depending from at least a portion of the peripheral edge. The resilient seal formation includes both an inwardly and outwardly depending lip portion relative to the peripheral edge of the body. The mask may accommodate a range of facial dimensions whilst still retaining an effective seal.

Abstract: An oral negative-pressure therapy system includes a container and absorbent insert for the container. The container includes a baffle inside an interior of the container. A fluid passageway extends along the baffle for delivering fluid (e.g., a mixture of air and saliva) into the container. The absorbent insert for absorbing liquid (e.g., saliva) in the container may is over the baffle. At least one of the baffle and the absorbent insert is configured to maintain a fluid flow path between the baffle and the absorbent insert to maintain fluid communication between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet of the container. The absorbent insert and/or the container may be designed and constructed to burst air bubbles in the aspirated liquid. In one or more embodiments, the absorbent insert is replaceable so that a spent absorbent insert can be replaced with a new, fresh absorbent insert.

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that includes a harness 14 and a mask body 12 that has a multi-layer filtering structure 16. The mask body 12 includes an upper interior perimeter segment 24a formed from the filtering structure 16 and configured to fit against the face of the respirator wearer. Present in the upper interior perimeter segment 24a is a nose notch 52, 62, which is an area void of filtering structure 16.

Abstract: The invention relates to a speech valve for laryngectomy or tracheotomy patients, comprising a cover element, a housing part and a filter, the cover element comprising a piston-shaped closure element and said closure element being connected to the cover element to form one piece therewith. The cover element comprises an elastic material and by deforming at least part of the cover element the closure element closes the speech valve distally of the filter.

Abstract: A mask assembly suitable for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing may include a mask to provide pressurized air to a patient; upper and lower slot features located on each side of the mask; a headgear assembly including a back portion; a pair of upper straps provided to the back portion, each upper strap having a loop portion and a hook portion at a free end thereof for releasably attaching to the loop portion; a pair of lower straps extending away from the back portion, each lower strap having a loop portion and a hook portion at a free end thereof for releasably attaching to the loop portion; and a connection region of each loop portion of each strap, the connection region being adapted to receive a respective hook portion, the connection region being wider than each respective hook portion along each respective hook portion's entire length.

Abstract: A respiratory mask body defining a breathable air zone for a wearer and having a shut-off valve is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the mask body includes one or more inlet ports configured to receive one or more breathing air source components. The shut-off valve is operable between a closed position and an open position, and when in a closed position the shut-off valve prevents fluid communication between the one or more inlet ports and the breathable air zone and the shut-off valve returns to an open position in the absence of an applied force.