Abstract: A universal airborne-particle size-selective inlet (10) for separating particles (82) larger than a cut size from particles (84) smaller than the cut size is disclosed. The larger particles (82) are separated by inertial collection as they are drawn into the apparatus (10) in an air stream (78) which exits jet orifices (46) aligned with collector holes (34) leading to closed stagnation chambers (24). The larger particles (82) pass through the collector holes (34) and into the stagnation chambers (24) where they remain. The smaller particles (84) are carried by the flowing airstream (78) that turns at, and passes by, the collector holes (34) to an external downstream small particle collection device.

Abstract: A self-contained, high capacity nebulizer, having automatic mixing and temperature control features is provided, and its method of use. The nebulizer is designed for use in conjunction with mechanical respirators, ventilators, or breathing machines, and for this purpose will use electrical signals generated by or received from the respirator to automatically control and synchronize the nebulizing and mixing functions such that nebulization occurs only during the exhalation phase of the respiratory function to load the gas passageway of the respirator to the patient with a standardized dose of medicinal aerosol. Upon commencement of the inhalation phase, the aerosol in the gas passageway is ventilated into the lungs of the patient to which it is attached.

Abstract: A nebulizer (10) for generating high concentrations of inhalable medicinal aerosols over a wide range of flow rates and mass outputs for medical inhalation therapy applications. A primary orifice (26), secondary orifice (44), inter-orifice gap (54), stagnation baffle (60), and spray gap (66) are scalable within defined parameters to provide any desired flow rate or mass output. The nebulizer is ideally suited for inhalation therapy of infants and children and can provide aerosols with flow rates ranging from less than 1 liter per minute to approximately 3 liters per minute at normal compressed gas pressures. The design parameters can also be scaled within defined limits to produce greater flows for treatment of adults or for use in other applications requiring high volumetric flow rates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for administering medicinal aerosol to a patient's lungs through an endotracheal tube (22) connected to a ventilator (100) or other respiratory apparatus, in which a charging volume (26) connected to a nebulizer (102) for generating medicinal aerosol is inserted between the ventilator (100) and the endotracheal tube (22), such that the charging volume (26) is filled with medicinal aerosol during patient exhalation, and the medicinal aerosol in the charging volume (26) is delivered into the endotracheal tube during patient inhalation. Additional amounts of medicinal aerosol are delivered into the endotracheal tube (22) during patient inhalation through hose (24) between the charging volume (26) and the nebulizer (102).

Abstract: A self-contained, high capacity nebulizer, having automatic mixing and temperature control features is provided. The nebulizer may be adapted for use in conjunction with mechanical respirators, ventilators, or breathing machines, and for this purpose will use electrical signals generated by or received from the respirator to automatically control the nebulizing and mixing functions such that nebulization occurs intermittently, that is, only during the inhalation phase of the respiratory function. The nebulizer may also be adapted for manual and/or continuous use by providing an external electrical signal generator to manually control the nebulization and mixing functions.

Abstract: A self-contained, high capacity nebulizer, having automatic mixing and temperature control features is provided. The nebulizer may be adapted for use in conjunction with mechanical respirators, ventilators, or breathing machines, and for this purpose will use electrical signals generated by or received from the respirator to automatically control the nebulizing and mixing functions such that nebulization occurs intermittently, that is, only during the inhalation phase of the respiratory function. The nebulizer may also be adapted for manual and/or continuous use by providing an external electrical signal generator to manually control the nebulization and mixing functions.