Abstract: A substance exchange system especially for humidifying gases has at least one bundle of hollow fibers wherein a first flow space surrounds the outside of the hollow fibers and a second flow space is formed by the inner spaces of the hollow fibers with the exchange between the flow spaces being dependent on the exchange characteristic values of the hollow fibers. This substance exchange system is improved with respect to a more flexible determination of exchange quantities which are mutually independent. According to the invention, at least two sub-regions having hollow fibers of different exchange characteristic values are provided.

Abstract: A substance exchange system especially for humidifying gases has at least one bundle of hollow fibers wherein a first flow space surrounds the outside of the hollow fibers and a second flow space is formed by the inner spaces of the hollow fibers with the exchange between the flow spaces being dependent on the exchange characteristic values of the hollow fibers. This substance exchange system is improved with respect to a more flexible determination of exchange quantities which are mutually independent. According to the invention, at least two sub-regions having hollow fibers of different exchange characteristic values are provided.

Abstract: A breathing gas humidifier for connection between a respirator and a patient, comprises a float chamber having water therein up to a predetermined level which is connected by a top connection to a mixing chamber above water level and is connected by a bottom connection to the mixing chamber below water level. A heater is in the bottom connection for keeping the water boiling in the mixing chamber. The respiratory gas is circulated through a respiratory gas line which extends through the mixer and has a discharge portion extending out of the mixer which is adapted to be connected through a mouthpiece to the patient. An overheater is provided in the circulating line discharge between the mixing chamber and the mouthpiece, in the direct vicinity of the mixing chamber, which is operated in accordance with the temperature sensed by a temperature sensor at the mouthpiece connection to the patient to a desired final temperature before it is delivered to the patient.

Abstract: A respiratory gas humidifier comprises a closed water reservoir having a water level therein which is maintained so that it does not vary beyond a great change in the height level. A guide nipple is mounted on the bottom of the reservoir and extends upwardly in the water and an inlet conduit extends into the top of the reservoir and overlies the guide nipple, but is spaced therefrom. A float is provided with a sleeve or hub portion which is guided on the guide nipple and the inlet conduit and includes a float portion which maintains the lower end of the hub portion below the level of the water in the reservoir. Respiratory gases are guided through the inlet conduit and to a space between the hub portion of the float and the guide nipple so that it always exits into the water at the same level and bubbles upwardly through the water and out through an outlet for use by a patient.