Abstract: A system supplies discrete puffs of gas, containing particles of an active product, to a patient's respiratory tract. A nebulizer containing the particles is in a gas circuit supplying gas to the user. A gas flow control delivers a metered amount of the gas to the nebulizer and to the user in each puff. Breath phases of the patient are sensed for initiating each of the puffs at the correct point in the breath cycle, and for counting the puffs. The sequence of puffs is programmably controlled and the puffs in a predetermined sequence according to a puff sequence program. The puff sequence program includes a maximum number of puffs, times and dates of treatment, etc. A transportable memory storage unit, such as a chip or a magnetic card, is used for transporting the puff sequence program to the controller, which includes a reader/writer to accept the puff sequence program from the memory storage unit, and also for recording the times and amounts actually used by the patient on the memory storage unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for injection of a gas, preferably carbon dioxide, comprising a source of the gas connected to at least two conduits (C) each provided with a control valve (EV) and a control (Q) of the gaseous flow rate. All of the conduits (C) open into a single channel (B), provided with a three-way control valve (V). The control (Q) of the gaseous flow rate is a calibrated orifice. The control valve (EV) and three-way control valve (V) are electrovalves. The channel (B) is connected to a catheter for injection of the gas into a body. The controls (Q) each permit a different flow rate through the associated control valve (EV), whereby a range of total flow rates of gas into the channel can be achieved by opening and closing selected ones of the controls.

Abstract: The process comprises circulation in a vessel containing the germs during a time T.sub.1 a ternary gas mixture comprising about 5% carbon dioxide, between 3.5 and 5% hydrogen; the balance consisting of nitrogen, followed by sealingly closing the vessel containing this gas mixture, advantageously under a slight overpressure, these operations are carried out automatically by means of an assembly comprising a gas feeding line and a gas outlet line each provided with an electro-valve and being electronically controlled.