Abstract: A tubular adapter is formed by a wall, the wall having a hole formed therein, and a gas sampling tube extends through the hole. The respective diameters of the hole and the tube are sized to produce a tight sealed connection therebetween but permit adjustment of the tube in the hole. The sampling tube has a sampling end thereof located within the tubular adapter, and the sampling end has a radially enlarged or flanged portion which is larger than the hole, whereby the sampling tube may be adjusted in the hole but may not be withdrawn.

Abstract: Respiratory apparatus comprising a member forming first, second and third connected gas flow passages. A patient device is connected to the third passage for conducting gas flow to and from a patient. First and second gas flow tubes are connected to the first and second passages for conducting gas to and from the third passage and the patient. A nebulizer is attached to the center of the member for feeding aerosolized medicine into the passages of the member and the tubes, for inspiration by the patient. Further, filters are mounted in both of the flow tubes for filtering makeup air and expired gas, the filters futher serving to control the gas flow through the tubes. The filters may have the same weight (and therefore the same air flow resistance), or the filter of one of the tubes may have less weight than the filter of the other tube.

Abstract: A resuscitation apparatus for use during medical procedures is disclosed. The device comprises a squeeze bag having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, and a specifically configured valve joined to the bag over the gas outlet. The valve housing includes a squeeze bag port in flow communication with the gas outlet opening, a patient port and an exhalation port. The valve disposed in the housing includes a portion for directing fluid from the squeeze bag through the patient port during inhalation or forced respiration and through the exhalation port during exhalation. Another portion of the valve closes off the exhalation port during inhalation or forced respiration such that fluid from the squeeze bag is directed to the patient.

Abstract: A humidifier assembly is disclosed. The humidifier assembly includes a housing, a heater in the housing, a hollow shell on the housing, a partition wall within the shell, and a liquid water inlet that is unitary with the hollow shell. The heater provides an exposed heated surface for contacting liquid water in a direct heat transfer relationship. The hollow shell and the partition wall together define a humidification chamber. The hollow shell also defines a breathable gas inlet and a humidified, breathable gas outlet, both of which communicate with the humidification chamber. The partition wall includes a hydrophobic filter that permits water vapor but not liquid water to pass therethrough. The hollow shell, the partition, wall and the housing together define a liquid water-tight but water vapor permeable water reservoir between the partition wall and the heater.

Abstract: An exhalation valve assembly for use in a volume ventilator circuit is disclosed that comprises a valve body defining a chamber with a gas inlet conduit and a gas outlet conduit, both in flow communication with the chamber. A diaphragm extends across the chamber and selectively closes off the gas inlet conduit. A concentric ring support structure is disposed concentrically about the gas inlet conduit and is configured so as to support a portion of the diaphragm over the chamber.

Abstract: A humidifier assembly is disclosed. Parts of the humidifier assembly may be disposable. The assembly comprises a housing, heater means on the housing, a liquid water supply means that communicates with the heater means, a hollow shell on the housing that defines a humidification chamber, and a filter means in the humidification chamber and positioned in juxtaposition with the surface of the heater means for passing water vapor into breathable gas. Preferably the filter means is hydrophobic.