Abstract: A smokable material vaporizer is disclosed, comprising of an enclosure having an elongated heating tube, a heating element, an air pump and a vapor collection receptacle for vaporizing a smokable material and allowing inhalation thereof. The heating tube is an elongated structure with a material loadable cap at its distal end and a screen for communicating vaporized material into the enclosure. The proximal end of the heating tube comprises a heating lamp element and a means to force air via a pump into the tube and through the screen. The heating lamp is powered by an electrical connection that includes a timer switch for safety and an activation switch. The lid of the enclosure is removable to reveal the attached heating tube, wherein smokable material is placed for the heating lamp to raise its temperature above vaporization levels, whereafter it is pumped into a collection receptacle bag for inhalation.

Abstract: An electronic inhaler includes a cylindrical body, a liquid container inside the cylindrical body that contains a liquid including an additive, and a heating element to heat the liquid including the additive to a vapor. An air passage is located between the cylindrical body and the liquid container and is in communication with an air outlet to allow the vapor to flow through the air outlet.

Abstract: A method of regulating a temperature within a vaporizer heating assembly includes providing a vaporizer heating assembly that includes a vapor inhalation device shaped to contain a vapor and deliver the vapor to a user's mouth without expelling the vapor into the atmosphere, an airflow chamber mechanically coupled to the vapor inhalation device, a heating chamber disposed within the airflow chamber, a fan in fluid communication with an air passageway defined by an interior surface of the airflow chamber and an exterior surface of the heating chamber, a temperature probe disposed proximate, but not in direct physical contact with the airflow chamber, and a temperature controller thermally coupled to the temperature probe and communicatively coupled to the heating chamber, the temperature controller operable to control a temperature output of the heating chamber in response to temperature information received from the temperature probe.

Abstract: A vaporizer heating assembly includes an airflow chamber having a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and a glass body connecting the proximal end to the distal end. A heating chamber is located within the airflow chamber and includes an elongated glass body and a heating element located within the elongated glass body of the heating chamber. A fan is in fluid communication with the proximal end of the airflow chamber and an attachment adapter is mechanically coupled to the distal end of the airflow chamber in a sealing arrangement, where the attachment adapter forms an attachment port for a vapor receiving element.

Abstract: A breathable air safety system and method is disclosed. In an embodiment, a safety system of a structure includes a supply unit (100) of a structure to facilitate delivery of breathable air from a source of compressed air to an air distribution system (150, 250, 350) of the structure, a valve (408) to prevent leakage of the breathable air from the air distribution system (150, 250, 350) potentially leading to loss of system pressure, a fill station (102A) interior to the structure to provide the breathable air to a breathable air apparatus at multiple locations of the structure, and a distribution structure (104) that is compatible with use with compressed air that facilitates dissemination of the breathable air of the source of compressed air to multiple locations of the structure.

Abstract: A device for humidifying respiratory gases. The device includes: a humidification component that holds a water volume; and a heating element that converts received electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume, thereby heating the water volume to achieve a heated water volume.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system, which includes a gas bottle having nitrogen dioxide in air, converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide and employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid. A nitric oxide delivery system may be used to generate therapeutic gas including nitric oxide for use in delivering the therapeutic gas to a mammal.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first cartridge, a sensor, and a controller. The first cartridge can include a first release device configured to release a first substance into a housing. The controller can be configured to receive data from the sensor. The controller can determine an amount of first substance released by the first cartridge based on the data and estimate a remaining amount of first substance in the first cartridge based on the determined amount of first substance.

Abstract: An aerosol inhalator of the invention has an inner tube (22) forming part of a suction path, a capillary tube (40) extending within the inner tube (22) and configured to discharge a solution therefrom in conjunction with a user's inhalation, and a heater (56) extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the inner tube (22) so as to traverse the inner tube (22) and configured to receive the solution discharged from the capillary tube (40), wherein the heater (56) atomizes the received solution by heating to generate, inside the inner tube (22), an aerosol to be inhaled by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a respiratory gas includes a conveyor device for conveying the respiratory gas, a conduit for feeding the respiratory gas conveyed by the conveyor device to a person, and a humidification device for humidifying the respiratory gas. A sensor device is configured to generate a signal indicative of the respiratory gas humidity and a control device is configured to control the humidification device with regard to the signal which is generated by the sensor device. A method of supplying a respiratory gas to a patient, in which the respiratory gas is introduced by means of a conveyor device into the conduit leading to the patient and is humidified, includes operating the conveyor device so that a respiratory gas pressure which is above ambient pressure is provided in the conduit, and adjusting the humidity on the basis of signals indicative of the relative and/or absolute humidity of the respiratory gas generated by the sensor device.

Abstract: An improved medicant delivery system 100 is disclosed wherein the carrier for the medicant is a fluid that can be atomized or vaporized by exposure to heat. The system provides for repeatable dose of medicant, can be stored in any orientation, and/or has an ability to maximize energy efficiency.

Abstract: A respiratory humidifier chamber for use with a breathing assistance apparatus is described. The chamber includes a water-tight vessel having an inlet for receiving gases from the breathing assistance apparatus, and an outlet through which heated humidified gases exit the vessel for delivery to a patient. The chamber has a partition which divides the chamber into upstream and downstream sub-chambers. The sub-chambers are separated by the partition except for an aperture which passes through the partition and allows gaseous communication between the sub-chambers. The downstream sub-chamber includes a heater base which heats a volume of water contained within it. The aperture is located above the volume of water. The upstream sub-chamber contains an internal heater which heats gases passing through it from the inlet to the aperture. At least part of the internal heater is located immediately adjacent the aperture.

Abstract: A flexible hose is adapted to maintain its inner wall temperature above the dew point of air transported between a CPAP machine's humidifier and mask, preventing condensation, An electrically energizable heating element forms a helical reinforcement member. The hose's first end has a standard CPAP soft end cuff. The second end comprises a special end fitting including: a support ring, electrical jack, and a specially shaped over-molded plastic cuff The support ring has a ring portion threadably secured onto the helical reinforcing member, and a receptacle extending therefrom. A coaxial electrical jack is received within the receptacle, with the energizable heating element of the helix being wired to the prongs of the jack. A soft plastic cuff is molded over much of the ring portion and receptacle, to provide further integrity of the end fitting, while the remaining portion of the cuff conforms to the standard CPAP end cuff configuration.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a heating element including a porous structure of electrically resistive and thermally conductive material configured to substantially vaporise liquid that is passed through the porous structure. The porous structure has a liquid inlet and a vapour outlet. The humidifier further includes an outer housing surrounding at least a portion of the porous structure for containing the liquid and vapour within the porous structure. The porous structure includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, the first and second connectors being configured for receiving electrical power and applying a voltage across the porous structure to generate heat.

Abstract: In an anesthesia vaporizer for vaporizing an anesthetic agent liquid and a method of vaporizing an anesthetic agent liquid in an vaporizer, an evaporation unit evaporates the anesthetic agent, a delivery unit intermittently adds a volume of said liquid to the evaporation unit in order to evaporate at least a portion of the volume of the liquid from the evaporation unit. A heat energy storage unit includes a phase change material (PCM) and is thermally coupled to at least a portion of the evaporation unit. The PCM has a phase shift temperature that is higher than the evaporation temperature of the anesthetic agent. The PCM in the heat energy storage unit is preferably at least partly liquid at an operative temperature of the vaporizer.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for supplying a respiratory gas, a humidifying apparatus, a respiratory gas tube and a connecting apparatus therefor. The apparatus of the invention includes a blowing device for delivering the respiratory gas, a housing device which has a bottom region, a top surface region and a side region extending upwardly between the top surface region and the cover region, as well as a connecting device for connecting a humidifying apparatus for humidifying the respiratory gas, wherein the connecting device is arranged in the side region of the apparatus in such a way that the humidifying apparatus can be laterally coupled thereto. The humidifying apparatus according to the invention is distinguished by a partial amount discharge device for passing a partial amount of the liquid pre-stored in a liquid storage space into a humidifying region.

Abstract: Humidifier apparatus for a respiratory apparatus includes a housing providing a gas flow path, a heater apparatus, and a water supply distribution member configured and arranged to deliver water vapor to the gas flow path. The water distribution member is provided to the housing and in thermal communication with the heater apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first cartridge, a sensor, and a controller. The first cartridge can include a first release device configured to release a first substance into a housing. The controller can be configured to receive data from the sensor. The controller can determine an amount of first substance released by the first cartridge based on the data. The first release device can be controlled based on the determined amount of first substance.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas; a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water; a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber; a second flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the humidifier chamber to a patient interface; and a wicking element and/or a flat, elongate heating element provided at least in the humidifier chamber. A method of delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes generating a flow of breathable gas; and humidifying the flow by passing the flow over a supply of water.

Abstract: A heater unit is adapted to determine if a humidification chamber thermally coupled to a hot plate of the heater unit is effectively dry based on determining a thermal response of a hot plate of the heater unit. Also, the activation period during which the hot plate is being heated is adjusted toward an optimum period by adjusting the energization or power level to the heater element thereof in relation to the duration of a prior activation period. Further, the air flow rate of gas through the humidification chamber may be estimated based on a temperature of the hot plate determined in predetermined relationship to the beginning of an activation period.

Abstract: Devices and methods of entraining a substance within an airflow are disclosed. Condensation aerosol delivery devices and methods of consistently producing multiple doses of a substance, such as a drug, having high purity, high yield, characterized by a particle size distribution appropriate for pulmonary delivery, and which can be administered to a user in a single dose are also disclosed.

Abstract: The embodiments described are directed to a vaporizer having a housing with a vaporizing chamber formed therein. A fine mesh conductive screen is disposed inside the vaporizing chamber for generation of heat through electrical resistance. The housing includes an aperture to the vaporizing chamber and an exhaust aperture for evacuating vapors by a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining water level in a humidifier chamber that is part of a humidified gases delivery apparatus and system. The method comprising the steps of delivering power to a heater plate, varying the power delivered to the heater plate, measuring the rate of change of temperature and determining the level of water based on the heating characteristics of the volume of water within the chamber, in particular determining the level of water within the chamber based on the rate of change of temperature and the supplied power.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas; a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water; a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber; a second flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the humidifier chamber to a patient interface; and a wicking element and/or a flat, elongate heating element provided at least in the humidifier chamber. A method of delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes generating a flow of breathable gas; and humidifying the flow by passing the flow over a supply of water.

Abstract: Condensation or “rain-out” is a problem in breathing circuits and especially neonatal breathing circuits. The subject patent provides an improved breathing tube component for managing rain-out particularly in neonatal applications. In particular the breathing tube has a smooth inner bore, and an outer insulating layer containing stagnant gas and a heater wire.

Abstract: A device for humidifying respiratory gases. The device includes: a humidification component that holds a water volume; and a heating element that converts received electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume, thereby heating the water volume to achieve a heated water volume.

Abstract: The invention disclosure relates to a laminar evaporator, comprising a laminar electrical resistance heating element for pulse heating and evaporation of an inhalationally receivable material distributed or distributable on the heating element surface by means of an electric heating current flowing or flowable in a laminar manner with at least two electrical contacts and/or poles (2, 3) for introducing the filament current into the resistance heating element, where the resistance heating element has at least one slot-shaped recess (5) constricting the lines of flux (4) of the original electric field forming or formable between the poles (2, 3) and is superficially bonded with an open-celled porous structure holding or capable of holding the material.

Abstract: A device for humidifying respiratory gases is provided. The device includes: an all-polymer humidification chamber; a heating element positioned independently and proximate to the humidification chamber; a base unit supporting the humidification chamber; a computer that sends adjustment instructions to a water filling valve coupled with the humidification chamber; a plurality of sensors determining light within the humidification chamber and coupled with the base unit; an airflow conduit coupled with the humidification chamber; a heater wire within the airflow conduit; and an insulation material with grooves thereon surrounding the heater wire. The adjustment instructions instruct the water filling valve to self-adjust to meet a predetermined water level objective. The airflow conduit delivers gas to the patient. The heater wire heats the gas being delivered. The grooves on the insulation wire wick water within the humidification chamber away to re-evaporation regions.

Abstract: A heater wire for removing condensation from a respiratory gas conduit. The heater wire includes at least one groove disposed thereon. The heater wire is positioned in a respiratory gas conduit.

Abstract: A pressure support system (10) comprises a humidifier (20) adapted to increase the amount of water vapor entrained in a supply of breathing gas, and a positive air pressure device (30) fluidly coupled downstream of the humidifier. The positive air pressure device is structured to generate a positive pressure flow of breathing gas from the supply of breathing gas received from the outlet of the humidifier.

Abstract: Disclosed are a safety system and method of an underground mine. In one embodiment, a method of safety of a mine structure includes expediting an air extraction process from an emergency support system by including a RIC (rapid interventions company/crew)/UAC (universal air connection) fitting to a fill panel to fill a breathable air apparatus. The method may include ensuring that a prescribed pressure of the emergency support system maintains within a threshold range of the prescribed pressure by including a valve of the emergency support system to prevent leakage of breathable air from the emergency support system. The method may also include maintaining the prescribed pressure of the emergency support system such that a system pressure is compatible with a breathable air apparatus through a distribution structure that is rated for use with compressed air.

Abstract: Low temperature electronic vaporization devices and method are described herein for emulating smoking wherein the devices generate an aerosol for inhalation by a subject by heating a viscous material that can have a tactile response in the mouth or respiratory tract.

Abstract: A respiration moistener (1) has an inlet (3), into which incoming gas (2) to be moistened can be fed. Vapor (21) is mixed with the incoming gas (2) in a mixing chamber (4). Moistened outgoing gas (5) flows out of an outlet (6). In cases in which the temperature of the incoming gas (2) becomes so high that the temperature of the outgoing gas (5) is above a desired value, the internal desired value is adjusted. The outgoing gas (5) can then cool to the desired value on its way through the inspiration tube (7).

Abstract: Several methods and a system of air extraction process from an emergency support system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of safety of a structure includes expediting an air extraction process from an emergency support system by including a RIC (rapid interventions company/crew)/UAC (universal air connection) fitting to a fill panel to fill a breathable air apparatus. The method may include ensuring that a prescribed pressure of the emergency support system maintains within a threshold range of the prescribed pressure by including a valve of the emergency support system to prevent leakage of breathable air from the emergency support system.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a tub. The tub includes a base plate; a tub base; a seal between the base plate and the tub base; and a latch mechanism that connects the base plate to the tub base so that the base plate is engaged with the seal. The latch mechanism may include an overcenter latch pivotably attached to the tub base and latch tabs formed on the base plate, the overcenter latch engaging the latch tabs in the connected position to connect the base plate to the tub base. The latch mechanism may alternatively include resilient tabs on the tub base, the resilient tabs elastically biasing the base plate toward the tub base upon connection of the base plate to the tub base. The resilient tabs may include tamper evident projections that indicate that the base plate has been disconnected from the tub base. The base plate may be stainless steel and be formed by stamping. The base plate may include a stamped ring. The humidifier further includes a tub lid configured to cover the tub to form a water container.

Abstract: A breathing tube system for connection to a respirator (2), which is provided with a tube heater, avoids a local increase in temperature during the heating of the tube (4, 7). Resistance wires (9, 10) are connected to one another on the breathing tubes (4, 7) in the form of a series connection and are contacted at the respirator (2) in the area of an inspiration port (3) and of an expiration port (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for providing humidification in a breathing assistance system may include a first container at least partially defining a first volume for housing an absorbent material, a second container at least partially defining a second volume for holding a liquid, and one or more fluid passageways for communicating the liquid from the second volume to the absorbent material in the first volume.

Abstract: A respiration humidifier with a base unit (2), at least one sensor (3), which is connected to the base unit (2), and a mixing chamber (4), which is designed as a mixing chamber detachable from the base unit (2), with a gas-carrying area (5), wherein the mixing chamber (4) has at least one opening (6), through which the at least one sensor (3) is in connection with the gas-carrying area (5).

Abstract: A base unit for use in a breathing gas heating and humidification apparatus includes a gas source configured to generate an initial gas flow, the gas source having a gas source outlet and a flow divider in fluid communication with the gas source outlet. The flow divider is configured to divide the initial gas flow into a first flow of gas and a second flow of gas. The flow divider includes a first compartment including a first gas flow path for the first flow of gas and a second compartment including a second gas flow path for the second flow of gas. A heater is disposed in the second compartment. A method for use in generating breathing gas and insulating gas from a gas source is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heated breathing circuit with radiant barrier is provided. The breathing circuit includes an airflow conduit configured to receive gas at input end and configured to deliver said gas to a patient at an output end, a heating element disposed inside the airflow conduit configured to heat the gas inside the airflow conduit between the input end and the output end and a heat shield disposed between the heating element and an outside surface of the airflow conduit such that the heat shield prevents heat energy loss from within said airflow conduit.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus adapted to deliver humidified gases at a desired level of humidity to a patient including a humidifier and a heated conduit is disclosed. The humidifier includes a controller which controls the humidifier, or the humidifier and the heated conduit to deliver the gases to the patient at the required humidity or temperature, without the requirement for sensors in the gases stream. The controller uses information already available to the controller, without the requirement for additional information to be provided by sensors in the gases stream. This means the need for sensors in the gases stream is dispensed with. A significant benefit is achieved as sensors are not required in the conduit and thus the apparatus is simple and less bulky.

Abstract: A breathing circuit includes inspiratory and expiratory limbs, each having a respective electrically energizable heating circuit. The heating circuits are independently and selectively electrically energized through separate power circuits such as to control the temperature in each limb in a desired fashion so as to reduce rainout in the breathing circuit and particularly in the expiratory limb.

Abstract: Containers for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents are described. The containers comprise a vessel suited to contain pressurized contents, a port integral with the vessel and through which pressurized contents contained in the vessel can be released from the vessel, preferably incrementally in approximately equal amounts, and a measuring device disposed in or otherwise associated with the vessel such that the quantity or amount of contents in the vessel can be measured or assessed. The measuring device senses ambient conditions in the vessel and, directly or with other components, indicates, for example, the amount of pressurized contents remaining in the vessel and displaying it to an observer. Devices for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents from such containers are also described.

Abstract: Provided is a vaporizing device configured for use with a disposable bottle to employ the disposable bottle as a collection device for collecting and delivering the vapor to a user. The vaporizing device includes a threaded connector portion configured to engage with the threaded bottle connector found on a conventional beverage container, such as a water bottle, soda bottle, sports drink bottle, or the like. The vaporizing device is configured to receive and heat herbal contents to produce a vapor for inhalation by a user.

Abstract: A conduit for a breathing circuit includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a hydrophilic layer. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic layer. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.

Abstract: A conventional respiratory nebulizer has an emergency medication dose storage system delivering the stored medication dose directly to the nebulizing chamber with a single impulse of manual force to a simple mechanical delivery system, thereby making the nebulizer useable in two steps: (a) opening the medication capsule with a simple opening action; and (b) inhaling the nebulized medication. The nebulizer can be operated without disassembling the nebulizer housing so as to expose the nebulizing chamber and without manually opening the liquid medication container and, without spillage and without manual pouring of the liquid medication directly into the nebulizing chamber, and without reassembling the nebulizer housing before positioning the inhaler mouthpiece in the mouth so as to inhale the nebulized medication. The delivery system includes a pressure burstable seal at one end of the capsule, which is burst by the application of force against the opposite end of the capsule.

Abstract: A conventional respiratory nebulizer has an emergency medication dose storage system delivering the stored medication dose directly to the nebulizing chamber with a single impulse of manual force to a simple mechanical delivery system, thereby making the nebulizer useable in two steps: (a) opening the medication capsule with a simple opening action; and (b) inhaling the nebulized medication. The nebulizer can be operated without disassembling the nebulizer housing so as to expose the nebulizing chamber and without manually opening the liquid medication container and, without spillage and without manual pouring of the liquid medication directly into the nebulizing chamber, and without reassembling the nebulizer housing before positioning the inhaler mouthpiece in the mouth so as to inhale the nebulized medication. The delivery system includes a pressure burstable seal at one end of the capsule, which is burst by the application of force against the opposite end of the capsule.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vaporizer for vaporizing a substance is described herein. The vaporizing includes a vapor chamber; a heating chamber; and a cartridge positioned between the vapor chamber and the heating chamber. The vapor chamber, the cartridge, and the heating chamber form a continuous bidirectional pathway for airflow within the vaporizer. The cartridge is configured to contain the substance to be vaporized, and the heating chamber includes a heating core having a heating element disposed therein for convection heating of a portion of the airflow that vaporizes the substance contained in cartridge.

Abstract: A liquid evaporator includes a liquid reservoir (3) with a liquid to be evaporated, a heater (9) and an evaporator tube (12). The evaporator tube (12) has a first porous element (1) having a first porosity and with an area in contact with the liquid in the liquid reservoir (3) and a second porous element (2) with a second porosity and with an area present on an evaporator side (50) used to dispense the evaporated liquid, and an area outside the liquid reservoir heated by the heater (9) which is not directly in connection with the liquid. The first porous element and the second porous element are in contact in contact areas with the first porous element forming a wick delivering liquid from the reservoir to the contact area.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a base configured to retain a body of liquid therein, a top cover, and a seal disposed between the top cover and the base. At least a portion of the base is constructed of a heat conducting material. The top cover defines both an inlet and an outlet communicated with an interior of the base. The inlet is configured to receive pressurized breathable gas and the outlet is configured to deliver the pressurized breathable gas with added humidity.