Abstract: A medical respiratory apparatus includes a chamber (10) which is at least in part at least translucent. The chamber (10) includes a float member (12) formed of an inert material and contains, in use, a fluid intended for inhalation. The float member (12) is adapted to float upon the fluid intended to be contained within the chamber (10) and has a peripheral dimension adjacent, but less than, the internal peripheral dimension of the chamber (10). At least the outer peripheral surface of the float member (12) has a coloration distinct from that of the fluid to be contained within the chamber such that the level of the fluid within the chamber (10) can be readily observed.

Abstract: A cartridge (120) is disclosed that is suitable for incorporation within a respiratory circuit. The cartridge (120) is adapted to contain a material for treating respiratory gases and comprises an inlet (122) and an outlet such that respiratory gases flow, in use, through the interior of the cartridge (120) and interact with the material. The cartridge (120) includes means for guiding the respiratory gas transversely relative to its direction of flow through the interior of the cartridge (120).

Abstract: A chemical absorbent comprises a hydrated mixture of a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable hydroxide of a Group II metal and a minor proportion of silica, the chemical absorbent being substantially free of Group I metal ions. The chemical absorbent is particularly useful in low flow or closed circuit anaesthesia, and is advantageous in that it does not react with volatile anaesthetic agents in such a way as to cause the build up of toxic substances within an anaesthetic breathing circuit.

Abstract: A ventilation tube (20, 120, 220) is disclosed. The ventilation tube (20, 120, 220) comprises an inner wall (22, 122, 222) that defines a fluid passageway for 5 ventilation gases, an outer wall (24,124,224) that surrounds the inner wall (22, 122, 222) and has a greater thickness than the inner wall (22, 122, 222), a helical separator member (26, 126, 226) interposed between the inner and outer walls (22, 122, 222, 24, 124, 224) so as to define an insulation chamber between the inner and outer walls (22, 122, 222, 24, 124, 224), and a heating element (28, 128, 228) disposed within the insulation chamber.

Abstract: A water trap suitable for use in a mechanical ventilation circuit comprising a cap with an inlet and an outlet, a fluid collection vessel engageable with the cap, and a rotatable closure with at least one aperture interposed between the cap and the vessel. The vessel is operably linked to the closure such that engagement or disengagement of the vessel from the cap causes the closure to be rotated. The cap is formed with an internal partition extending into abutment with the closure to define a chamber via which the inlet and outlet are in fluid communication and the closure forming a base of the chamber. When the vessel is engaged with the cap, the closure has a first orientation in which the at least one aperture is located within the periphery of the skirt in the base of the chamber and the vessel is in communication with the chamber via the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A closure device (10) is disclosed for use with an access port (62,72,82,92) of a medical respiratory apparatus (60,70,80,90). The closure device (10) comprises a cap (14) that seals the access port (62,72,82,92) save for an opening (28) in the cap (14), and a closure (16) for sealing the opening (28). The cap (14) includes a portion of flexible material (26) in which the opening (28) is formed, and is hingedly mounted with respect to the access port (62,72,82,92).