Abstract: A breathing gas humidifier capsule having an evaporator module with a heated, hydrophobic liquid water reservoir defined by water vapor-permeable walls. Liquid water in the hydrophobic reservoir is vaporized by a heater and the generated water vapor is entrained in a passing breathing gas stream.

Abstract: An improved breathing gas humidifier including an evaporation module which has a contact chamber and a flash-resistant heat exchanger, a wicking layer on the heat exchanger, a liquid water flow controller, an electric resistance heater, and a breathing gas temperature controller. The contact chamber is defined by a rigid housing and in part by a flash-resistant heat exchanger. The rigid housing has a gas inlet for connection to a breathing gas source such as a ventilator, a water inlet for connection to a liquid water source by a liquid water flow passageway, and a breathing gas outlet connected to an inhalation passageway. The wicking layer is positioned in the contact chamber to receive and distribute liquid water. The breathing gas temperature controller is operably connected to the flow controller, the heater, and a temperature sensor in the breathing gas outlet.

Abstract: A humidifier system for producing a humidified and heated breathing gas including a humidifier module having a humidifying chamber with a supply gas inlet, a breathing gas outlet and a heat transfer element. A tube extending between a liquid reservoir and the humidifier module includes therein an elongate liquid absorbing wick whose upper end has a plurality of leaves extending planarly and radially outwardly therefrom into the humidifying chamber into contact with said heat transfer element. Liquid is transported by the wick upwardly into the leaves thereof where it is evaporated and mixed with the supply gas in the humidifying chamber to generate a heated and humidified breathing gas.

Abstract: An incentive spirometer that indicates the volume of air drawn therethrough is disclosed. The spirometer comprises a housing with a turbine rotatably mounted therein. The turbine is provided with a take-off shaft with which is operably associated a signal device responsive to the rotation of the shaft. Air drawn through the spirometer by a patient rotates the turbine and the signal device indicates the volume of air that has passed through the spirometer.

Abstract: A nebulizer system for producing a humidified and heated breathing gas to be inhaled by a patient undergoing inhalation therapy. The nebulizer system includes a nebulizer module and a heater module affixed to one another and optionally detachably connected to each other. The nebulizer module is connectable to an oxygen source, a liquid water supply, and, through an outlet, to a breathing apparatus. A throat in the system serves to direct an aerosol spray produced in the nebulizer module to a heat transfer element in a conical flow pattern. The heat transfer element is disposed substantially normal to the flow path of the generated aerosol and is in a direct heat transfer relationship with an outer peripheral portion of the conical flow pattern exhausted from the throat. In this manner, a self-regulating heat input is provided by the present nebulizer system.