Abstract: This invention is a device (10) for inspiration of a mist from a nebulizer, having an inlet connector (12, 32) adapted to engage an outlet port of a nebulizer, a hollow mouthpiece element (126 34) for insertion into a patient's mouth; a conduit (14) forming a fluid connection between the inlet connector, and the hollow mouthpiece element. An exhaust valve (26) is provided for removing expiratory gases which are exhaled into the mouthpiece element to the ambient atmosphere via an exhaust/positive expiratory pressure (PEP) valve (26, 50). The PEP valve is positioned on the conduit between the inlet connector, and the mouthpiece element; and a filter housing (44) containing a filter (60) for filtering the exhaled gases passing from the exhaust/PEP valve.

Abstract: This invention is a device (10) for inspiration of a mist from a nebulizer, the device comprising an inlet connector (12, 32) adapted to engage an outlet port of a nebulizer; a hollow mouthpiece element (126, 34) for insertion into a patient's mouth; a conduit (14) forming a fluid connection between the inlet connector, and the hollow mouthpiece element; an exhaust valve (26) for removing expiratory gases which are exhaled into the mouthpiece element to the ambient atmosphere via the exhaust/positive expiratory pressure (PEP) valve (26, 50) positioned on the conduit between the inlet connector, and the mouthpiece element; and a filter housing (44) containing a filter (60) for filtering the exhaled gases passing from the exhaust/PEP valve.

Abstract: This invention is a device (10) for inspiration of a mist from a nebulizer, the device comprising an inlet connector (12, 32) adapted to engage an outlet port of a nebulizer; a hollow mouthpiece element (126, 34) for insertion into a patient's mouth; a conduit (14) forming a fluid connection between the inlet connector, and the hollow mouthpiece element; an exhaust valve (26) for removing expiratory gases which are exhaled into the mouthpiece element to the ambient atmosphere via the exhaust/positive expiratory pressure (PEP) valve (26, 50) positioned on the conduit between the inlet connector, and the mouthpiece element; and a filter housing (44) containing a filter (60) for filtering the exhaled gases passing from the exhaust/PEP valve.

Abstract: A mouth piece exhalation valve for a nebulizer or breathing circuit. The nebulizer has an internal passageway containing an offset causing an inspiration mist flow to bypass the exhaust valve without impingement. The offset includes a deflector which aids in the deflection of the inspiration mist flow away from the exhaust valve. The deflector is also utilized for directing the exhaust flow upon expiration by a patient through the exhaust valve. The exhaust valve design includes a flap or disc having leaves formed by peripheral arcuate cuts to facilitate the opening and the closing of the leafs in accordance with the expiration and inhalation of a patient respectively. The cuts also aid in the re-introduction of any accumulation of fluid on the external surface of the disc and valve back into the inspirational cycle so as to minimize any external buildup of fluid.

Abstract: A tubing end-piece interconnects a free end of a piece of tubing and a tubing connector or fitting so that a fluid can flow between the tubing and the fitting or connector. The tubing end-piece includes a body member extending along a longitudinal axis with a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The body member has an elongated body portion, a doughnut-shaped head portion and a frustoconically-shaped tail portion. The body portion has an outer body surface configured in a shape of a frustum that tapers from a first end and towards a second end. The doughnut-shaped head portion is connected to the first end of said body portion and extends radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis to form in cross-section an outer curved surface commencing from the first end and terminating in an outer peripheral edge which defines a first opening into the bore.

Abstract: A tubing end-piece interconnects a free end of a piece of tubing and a tubing connector or fitting so that a fluid can flow between the tubing and the fitting or connector. The tubing end-piece includes a body member extending along a longitudinal axis with a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The body member has an elongated body portion, a doughnut-shaped head portion and a frustoconically-shaped tail portion. The body portion has an outer body surface configured in a shape of a frustum that tapers from a first end and towards a second end. The doughnut-shaped head portion is connected to the first end of said body portion and extends radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis to form in cross-section an outer curved surface commencing from the first end and terminating in an outer peripheral edge which defines a first opening into the bore.

Abstract: A machine for slitting turf or soil and inserting particulate solids in the bottom of the cut slits. This machine consists of a propulsion unit, cutter blades, a material hopper, a material flow control valve, a set of rotary material supply vanes driven by a measurement wheel in contact with the ground, a set of insertion tubes mounted on a gimbal assembly which allows the insertion tubes to free float independent of machine tip and tilt motion. The insertion tubes therefore follow the bottom of the cut slits, dispensing the solid material therein. Also disclosed is a novel insertion tube.

Abstract: In the present invention, four valves are connected in tandem to form a closed loop. A pair of inlet channels and a pair of outlet channels are connected between the valves and in such a manner as to form a bridge-circuit arrangement. The valves are preferably disc-shaped chambers with orifices in their rooves by means of which they interconnect with one another. In each valve is also located a diaphragm resting on the floor of the valve chamber and which may be raised and pressed against the roof of the chamber to cover the orifices there, thereby closing that particular valve. By thusly closing one pair of diagonally opposing valves or the other, the connections between the inlet and outlet channels can be reversed. The diaphragms can be raised by applying a relatively high pressure to their undersides through orifices located in the floors of their respective valve chambers.