Abstract: An improved Y-fitting for the patient system of a respirator includes a membrane humidifier received therein and accommodating an exchangeable element including hollow filaments to which breathing air is directed and which are externally charged with water circulating therearound.

Abstract: A humidifier and heater for air to be inhaled for connection to an inhalation conduit of a respirator comprises a housing having a bundle of vapor permeable fiber tubes which have evaporation fiber wall surfaces extending therethrough. A packing is arranged adjacent each end of the housing in said tubes and seals the space in the housing around the tubes between the packing. The tubes in the interior of the housing in the space have a coating on their exteriors of at least either copper or silver. Warm water is circulated into the housing in the space around the tubes and the inhalation air is directed through the tubes or vice versa.

Abstract: The humidity exchanger for a breathing apparatus and a conduit for the passage of inspiration and expiration air comprises a housing having an opening at each end and with a bundle of fiber tubules extending longitudinally through the housing and embedded at respective ends in packing so as to define a space within the housing around the tubes. Inspiration air is directed upwardly through the tubes past a non-return valve and out through a fitting which also forms a passage for the expiration air. The fitting also extends in communication with an inlet for the tube chamber, the space in the housing around the tubes and between the packing. An outlet is also provided for the chamber around the tubes which extends out to atmosphere.

Abstract: A humidity exchanger for a breathing apparatus includes an outer housing having one end with an opening for the passage of inspiration and expiration air therethrough and an opposite end into which is fitted a separate inner housing. The inner housing carries a first tube bundle of fibrous tubules defining passages therethrough for the passage of either inspiration or expiration air. This passage contains spaced apart packings through which the tubules extend and spaced between the packings defines a heat exchange space around the tubules. Construction includes an inner tube or conduit centrally of the bundle with a passage of heat of the inspiration or the expiration air into the space surrounding the tubules within the inner housing. The inner housing leads into a front space of the outer housing through a conduit connected to the user of the apparatus.

Abstract: A respiratory air humidifier comprises a housing having a flow passage therethrough for the flow of respirator air with a respirator air inlet at one end of the flow passage and a respirator air outlet at the other end of the passage. A plurality of U-shape tubules are disposed in the flow passage and they have walls made of a material permeable to water vapor but impermeable to water. A tubule holder plate closes the flow passage and it is provided with a plurality of bores therethrough of a number corresponding to the tubules located at two spaced locations and into which extend the respective ends of the tubules which are sealed at these ends to the tubular holder plate. A water inlet conduit extends into the inlet of the flow passage and connects the respective inlet end of the tubules, and a water discharge conduit extends out of the flow passage inlet for the discharge of the water from the outlet end of the tubules.

Abstract: A respiratory air humidifier comprises a plurality of hollow tubules having walls of a foil material which is impermeable to water but is permeable to steam vapor. The tubules have inside diameters of less than 300 microns and are about 15 microns thick. Breathing gas to be humidified is directed over one side of the foil for example through the tubules and the water is directed over the opposite side for example the exterior of the tubules.

Abstract: A mobile air filtering apparatus for hospital rooms, comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A pre-filter is located at the inlet and a fan for directing air in succession through a heater, a diffusion foil moistener and a mechanical filter. The diffusion foil moistener is located between the heater and the mechanical filter and it includes a heat exchange conduit for conducting the water to the moistener which is coiled around the filter. The filter housing is mounted on a fork-shaped arm which is carried on a stand in an adjustable position and the stand is moved around with its associated carriage filter.