Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning gas for use in a medical procedure, the gas being received into the apparatus from a gas source. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port. The housing contains at least a humidification means comprising a container for liquid, such as at least one liquid retaining layer that is disposed within the chamber in the path of travel of the gas for humidifying the gas as it passes through the chamber. A humidity sensor may be disposed within the chamber that senses the humidity of the gas exiting the chamber. A monitoring circuit is connected to the humidity sensor that detects when the chamber requires a recharge of liquid based on the humidity of the gas in the chamber, and generates a recharge signal indicative thereof a charging port on the housing provides access into the chamber to recharge the chamber with water. Alternatively, a backup container of liquid is provided to continuously supply liquid to the humidification means.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning gas for use in a medical procedure, the gas being received into the apparatus from a gas source. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port. The housing contains at least a humidification means comprising a container for liquid, such as at least one liquid retaining layer that is disposed within the chamber in the path of travel of the gas for humidifying the gas as it passes through the chamber. A humidity sensor may be disposed within the chamber that senses the humidity of the gas exiting the chamber. A monitoring circuit is connected to the humidity sensor that detects when the chamber requires a recharge of liquid based on the humidity of the gas in the chamber, and generates a recharge signal indicative thereof a charging port on the housing provides access into the chamber to recharge the chamber with water. Alternatively, a backup container of liquid is provided to continuously supply liquid to the humidification means.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning gas for use in a medical procedure, such as endoscopy, the gas being received into the apparatus from a gas source. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port. A humidification means comprising at least one water-retainer layer is disposed within the chamber in the path of travel of the gas for humidifying the gas as it passes through the chamber. A humidity sensor is disposed within the chamber that senses the humidity of the gas exiting the chamber. A monitoring circuit is connected to the humidity sensor that detects when the chamber requires a recharge of liquid based on the humidity of the gas in the chamber, and generates a recharge signal indicative thereof. A charging port on the housing provides access into the chamber to recharge the chamber with water. A heating element and temperature sensor are also disposed within the chamber. A control circuit further regulates the temperature of the gas exiting the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning gas for use in a medical procedure comprises a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port. The housing contains at least a humidification means comprising a container for liquid. A humidity sensor may be disposed within the chamber that senses the humidity of the gas exiting the chamber. A monitoring circuit is connected to the humidity sensor that detects when the chamber requires a recharge of liquid, and generates a recharge signal indicative thereof. A charging port on the housing provides access into the chamber to recharge the chamber with water. Alternatively, a backup container of liquid is provided to continuously supply liquid to the humidification means. A heating element and temperature sensor are also disposed within the chamber. A control circuit further regulates the temperature of the gas exiting the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gas for delivery into a body cavity, body space or body surface of an animal. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port. One or more agents are released into the gas stream that flows through the chamber so that the gas stream carries the agent to the animal.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning gas for use in a medical procedure, such as endoscopy, the gas being received into the apparatus from a gas source. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port. A humidification means comprising at least one water-retainer layer is disposed within the chamber in the path of travel of the gas for humidifying the gas as it passes through the chamber. A humidity sensor is disposed within the chamber that senses the humidity of the gas exiting the chamber. A monitoring circuit is connected to the humidity sensor that detects when the chamber requires a recharge of liquid based on the humidity of the gas in the chamber, and generates a recharge signal indicative thereof. A charging port on the housing provides access into the chamber to recharge the chamber with water. A heating element and temperature sensor are also disposed within the chamber. A control circuit further regulates the temperature of the gas exiting the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for treating gas prior to its use in a medical procedure comprising a housing that receives gas from an insufflator, a chamber within the housing having a humidification means, a heating means disposed within the humidification means, a filtering means within the humidification means, a means for sensing the temperature of the heated and humidified gas, and a controlling means connected to the sensing means to maintain the temperature of the gas to a predetermined temperature. Additionally provided are methods of providing heated, humidified and filtered gas to a patient at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The Venetian blind which has a headrail, a series of slats and an extruded bottom rail includes a longitudinal resilient bumper positioned in a bottom longitudinal slat of the bottom rail and extending from the bottom of the rail. Resilient end caps having the same transverse contour as the bumper close the rail ends and together with the bumper, seal the bottom rail from light transmission between it and a window sill and a window vertical edge. An extruded aluminum or plastic headrail with resilient end pieces has spaced tangs extending from a tilt and left mechanism-supporting horizontal bottom wall forming an inverted U-shaped open compartment. This compartment receives the top portion of the uppermost blind slat in a slats tilted closed position to block out light transmission and sight lines under the headrail. A resilient flipper seal obstructs light at the top of the headrail. The bottom rail may also include a storage volume for replacement slats.