Abstract: A feeding system for connecting a humidifier to a reservoir comprising, a first elongated conduit for feeding water from the reservoir to the humidifier, a second elongated conduit alongside the first conduit for passing air from the humidifier to the reservoir, with an upper end of the first and second conduits being connected in fluid communication to the reservoir. The conduits are connected to the humidifier with a lower end of the first and second conduits located inside the humidifier, and with the lower end of the first conduit being located adjacent the lower end of the second conduit.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method and apparatus for monitoring a battery supply by comparing the monitored battery voltage against average discharge information for the battery supply recommended for the apparatus, estimating battery life after receiving a prompt to do so and, automatically and periodically prompting the estimated battery life calculation.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method and apparatus for condition sensing and displaying a numeric value associated with the sensed condition wherein the improvement comprises (1) circuitry calibrating the display of the numerical value associated with the sensed condition to a numerical value associated with the sensed condition in a normal ambient environment, while the sensor is within the normal ambient environment; and (2) circuitry for calibrating the display of the numerical value of the sensed condition to a numerical value associated with the sensed condition in a known offset environment which is different than the normal ambient environment, while the sensor is in the known offset environment.

Abstract: An improved percussor assembly comprises a rigid body member having gas inlet and gas outlet means, the latter including a restricted passageway and an enlarged passageway, and a vent passageway communicating with the enlarged portion adjacent the junction of the restricted passageway whereby atmospheric air is entrained into the enlarged passageway as gas flows therein from the restricted passageway thereby increasing the volume of gas supplied to a remote applicator while economizing on the amount of pressurized gas required to operate the percussor. The vent passageway also relieves gas pressure from a remote pneumatic applicator between successive bursts of gas from the percussor assembly. An improved remote applicator having means for selecting the force of the percussive bursts is also provided.

Abstract: An improved oxygen concentrator assembly includes a microprocessor and cooperating means for monitoring or sensing functions and performance of various components of the concentrator. A test apparatus having means for selecting any of the functions monitored by the microprocessor is connected to the concentrator and displays the selected monitored functions for diagnosing performance levels and component problems or failures.

Abstract: An improved nebulizer for directing an aerosol from a spray orifice toward an outlet pipe against a target comprises a convex target surface substantially enlarged relative to the diameter of the spray orifice and a cylindrical hood coaxially surrounding said target having a single open port coaxial with said spray orifice, the spray orifice including means for forming an inverted aerosol cone all of which first impinges against the target, and whereby substantially all of the aerosol must exit from the cavity through the single open hood port.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator having molecular sieve beds for selectively adsorbing nitrogen from atmospheric air for increasing the oxygen concentration of a product gas, a reservoir for receiving the product gas, a compressor for charging atmospheric air to the sieve beds and a valve and valve switching means for directing atmospheric air from the compressor to alternate sieve beds includes means for sensing the withdrawal rate of product gas from the reservoir and a microprocessor provided with the minimum time required for charging the respective sieve beds to achieve a product gas having a selected oxygen concentration at the sensed rate of withdrawal and means for switching the valve to charge the beds for the minimum charge time.

Abstract: An improved oxygen concentrator includes an oxygen sensor, valve and timer for periodically directing a breathable gaseous mixture having increased oxygen concentration to the sensor. A preferred assembly includes an alarm and means for increasing oxygen concentration in the breathable gaseous mixture when the concentration falls below a selected concentration.

Abstract: An assembly for collecting condensed water vapor or moisture in a breathing circuit comprises a lid having an inlet and an outlet pipe connected to the breathing circuit, a jar removably secured to the lid, a drain funnel having a port at the bottom for directing water into the jar, and a movable seal in the funnel for being biased gravitationally to occlude the port and form a gas tight seal with the port when the jar is removed from the lid.

Abstract: A percussor assembly comprises a rigid body member having a gas inlet passageway and gas outlet passageway, a movable gas sealing member, and a gas pressure chamber communicating with the gas inlet passageway, the gas sealing member being forced from a first position forming a gas-tight seal between the gas pressure chamber and the gas outlet passageway to a second position in which the chamber and passageway are in communication to allow a burst of gas to pass from the chamber into the outlet passageway. A percussion head, which may be remote from the body member receives the burst of gas, the bursts being created successively at the percussion head.

Abstract: An improved percussor comprises an oscillating assembly having a reciprocating plunger, a first and second chamber and a gas tight seal therebetween when the plunger is at rest in a biased position, and gas inlet means for directing gas into the first chamber to begin to force the plunger downwardly against the biasing force, thereby unseating the gas seal between the chambers. The gas pressurizes the second chamber to force the plunger to a second position and the pressure is then relieved through a gas exit passageway. In response to the pressure drop, the plunger is returned to its original position. This plunger reciprocation is repeated rapidly to achieve the percussor action. In a preferred embodiment, a fluid containing chamber having exteriorly exposed fluid impermeable membrane engages the reciprocating plunger whereby the energy is directed through the liquid and membrane.

Abstract: An improved percussor assembly having a reciprocating percussion member for directing reciprocating motion to a user including a valve responsive to movement of the percussion member for temporarily and alternately interrupting the flow of gas in the percussor in response to the alternate movement of the reciprocating percussion member.

Abstract: A percussor assembly having a gas inlet passageway, a gas outlet passageway, a gas sealing means therebetween, and a percussion member which is moved in response to gas pressure from the gas inlet passageway overcoming the gas sealing means, which gas pressure is then vented through the gas outlet passageway, includes a valve member for closing the gas inlet passageway when the gas pressure is vented through the gas outlet passageway.

Abstract: A novel gas-powered aspirator comprises a venturi chamber for suctioning a vacuum jar incorporating a valve body, movable between two positions, one for directing gas to the venturi chamber, and the other for closing it from the gas supply. The valve body position is determined by the vacuum pressure in the jar.

Abstract: A therapeutic incentive spirometer comprises a spirometer body having an outer wall and an inner wall, separated by a passageway, an interior chamber defined by said inner wall, a gas outlet for directing gas out of the chamber, a gas inlet means for directing gas into the chamber. A component for varying the flow rate of gas through either the gas inlet or outlet, and visual device associated with the interior chamber for indicating the rate of gas flow through the chamber. The preferred device includes a cap having a gas by-pass intake port located therein, which port is registered with a slanted surface on the outer body wall, the cap being movable relative to the body wall which movement changes the by-pass port opening size.

Abstract: In an oxygen mask for being secured over the nose and mouth of a user or patient, an improved means for securing the mask comprises a non-elastic flexible tubing adapted for extending over both ears of the user, ends, and two lengths of elastic flexible tubing, each length having one end secured to the non-elastic tubing, and the other end secured to or adjacent the mask.

Abstract: A condition monitoring system such as a hospital oxygen monitoring and analyzing device which is battery powered and of such low current drain circuitry that the monitor may be maintained ON continuously. The circuitry senses battery condition when the end of battery life is approaching as indicated by terminal voltage drop. The circuitry continues to provide an accurate display but also indicates a part of the display and additional symbol. The circuitry provides a separate indication under calibration conditions, and the improved voltage regulator includes a transistor back biased to breakdown as the regulation device. A remote sensor is used and engaging the sensor with the unit, automatically powers all circuitry.

Abstract: A device for exercising the lungs by forced inhaling or exhaling comprises a mouthpiece and a valve assembly incorporating a valve housing unit having a gas inlet port and a gas outlet port both communicating with a cavity in which a movable valve body is received and which valve body has a first passageway for directing gas between the inlet and outlet ports and a second passageway for directing gas between a by-pass port and the gas outlet port. The relative amount of gas passing through the gas inlet port and through the gas by-pass port is determined by the position of the valve body and can be regulated by moving the valve body. The device also includes means for monitoring the flow of gas passing through the gas inlet port and preferably the length of time of that gas passage, and means for counting sequential inspirations or expirations of the user during the exercise.

Abstract: A nebulizer in which the feed to the spray nozzle is through a narrow space between the flat bottom of the liquid reservoir and a flange fixed to the bottom of the spray nozzle, where the space is narrow enough to draw liquid toward the spray nozzle by capillary action and aspiration at any orientation of the nebulizer between vertical and horizontal.