Abstract: A cloud chamber for use with a source of pressurized medication in a MDI system wherein the cloud chamber has a unique one-way inspiratory air and one-way expiratory air valving system which utilizes the same valve body to provide both functions through utilization of different parts of the same valve body for performing the different and mutually exclusive functions. The present invention also provides for the storage of the pressurized medication container within the cloud chamber so that the medication can be conveniently and safely stored when the device in not in use.

Abstract: A removable single-user tongue shield that is releasably attachable to the dispensing opening of a metered dose inhaler. The tongue protector is shaped to conform to the upper surface of the tongue to cover the taste sensor areas, and to minimize contact of the medication spray with the tongue's surface. In this manner the user is protected from objectionable medication taste while the delivery of the medication into the trachea is unaffected by the protector.

Abstract: A single user respiratory therapy device including a pressure range monitoring unit which provides the patient with visual feed-back to monitor the correct use of the device for enhancing the benefits of positive expiratory pressure therapy.

Abstract: A spirometer for encouraging inhalation exercises and particularly for indicating the volume of air that is inhaled by the user. The spirometer comprises a two-part generally cylindrical housing having a bellows assembly positioned therein. A breathing tube is connected to a port in the housing that communicates with the interior of the bellows. By inhaling through the breathing tube the user causes the bellows to contract and a pointer on the bellows coacts with a scale on the housing to indicate the amount of air that has been inhaled. Each of the housing parts is formed with a plurality of spaced apart discrete wall sections and the sections of the two parts interfit with one another to reduce the size of the spirometer for shipping.

Abstract: The specification discloses a combination mixing-reaction apparatus comprising a mixing vessel within an evacuable housing, mixing vanes operable from outside of the apparatus. The housing is provided with vacuum conduits which can be connected to a vacuum source for withdrawing vapors and gaseous reaction products from within the apparatus.

Abstract: A respiratory exerciser particularly for encouraging deeper inhalation by post-surgical patients. The exerciser includes a transparent cylinder that is adapted to be supported in a vertical position. A lightweight ball is positioned in the cylinder which is provided with closure members at its upper and lower ends. The closure member for the upper end of the cylinder has a pair of apertures therethrough, and an open-ended tube is slidably mounted in one of the apertures so that it projects down into the cylinder. A flexible inhalation tube is connected to the other closure member aperture and by inhaling air through this tube the patient can cause the ball to rise in the vertical cylinder. Moving the open-ended tube up or down in its aperture varies the distance that it projects into the cylinder, and this in turn varies the degree of difficulty in raising the ball. Easily visible graduations on the cylinder enable the patient to see how high he is raising the ball and thus give a measurement of his progress.

Abstract: Medical suction apparatus for the collection of aspirated body fluid comprising a transparent, cylindrical container or jar having a mouth and a lid or closure which fits snugly over the mouth and which can be interlocked therewith by means of a locking bead on the peripheral edge of the container. A pair of upwardly extending nipples are molded integrally with the lid forming tubes therethrough, one nipple serving as a fluid inlet and the other acting as a vacuum conduit. A splash deflector chute is attached to the internal end of the fluid inlet tube to direct fluid toward the side of the container. A float-valve is connected to the inner end of the vacuum conduit to prevent passage of fluid into the vacuum line after the container is full.The lid carries relief valve means for venting to the atmosphere when internal pressure drops to a predetermined level and the lid can be fitted with a vacuum line filter to prevent passage of entrained effluent into the vacuum system.