Abstract: This application concerns a method for preparing glucan from Aspergillus niger, characterised in that it comprises (i) the at least partial deacetylation of the mycelium of A. niger; (ii) acid treatment of the (partially) deacetylated mycelium, preferably following purification and/or washing, to obtain insoluble glucan and soluble chitosane, which acid treatment comprises placing the deacetylated mycelium in contact with an acidic solution; (iii) the separation of the soluble chitosan on the one hand, and the insoluble glucan on the other; (iv) alkaline treatment of the glucan comprising placing the glucan in contact with an alkaline solution to cause the glucans to flocculate; and (v) drying the flocculated glucans to obtain glucan powder. This invention further concerns the glucans thus obtained, compositions comprising them, and their uses. The glucans of the invention may be used as immunostimulants.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying air and at least one additional gas to a respirating subject has a container with an open end for receiving air, which is connected to a tubing system for conveying gas to the subject. The additional gas is supplied from an additional gas source via a metering system and a supply line to the container. As gas is supplied to the subject during inspiration phases by a compressor, air will flow into the container via the open end. At the same time a flow of additional gas is supplied to the container via a point of entry. During expiration phases gas will be diverted via a flow divider to flow back to the container via the supply line for the additional gas. A homogeneous and controllable concentration of additional gas is obtained within the container before each inspiration phase. The apparatus requires only a few components, making it a low cost apparatus, but it provides a good control of the concentration of additional gas supplied to the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recognizing the respiratory phases of a patient for controlling a ventilating apparatus. The time-dependent trace of a signal, which represents the respiratory flow curve and is emitted by a signal device, is determined and from this trace, a trigger criterium is obtained for the switchover of the ventilating apparatus from the expiration phase into the inspiration phase and/or from the inspiration phase into the expiration phase. The method is improved in that even for chronically obstructive patients, a reliable and early recognition of the inspiration and expiration attempts is possible. A significant increase of the slope of the respiratory flow curve between each two zero crossovers of this curve is used as a trigger criterium.

Abstract: A ventilation system with positive and negative ventilation pressures controllable through a control unit is to be improved with respect to its adaptability, in particular in the generation of high pulse repetition frequencies above the natural breathing frequency. A gas transport element is provided in connection with a ring line which contains an inhalation valve in an inspiration branch and an exhalation valve in an expiration branch. The desired improvement is obtained by the fact that the gas transport element is arranged in the ring line with constant direction of delivery. By alternate control of the inhalation valve and exhalation valve in a closed system inspiration and expiration pulses are produced. In addition, a controllable valve unit is indicated in which the inhalation valve and the exhalation valve are actuated as diaphragm valves by combined injector and ejector units of low inertia.

Abstract: A respiratory system comprises a breathing gas source which is connected to a feed part such as a tracheal tube connection to a closed circuit respiratory gas ventilation circuit. The gas ventilation circuit has a pressure relief connection therein. The gas feed part is connected to the breathing gas source and to the breathing gas supply through a control which controls the feed of a pulse of gas through at least one gas nozzle which is mounted to extend into the feed part at a location to form a suction area in the feed part which induces the flow of the ventilating gas through the feed part and the closed circuit respiratory gas ventilation circuit.

Abstract: A method of safety monitoring a respirator which is connected to a patient through an endotracheal tube which has a respiratory gas jet nozzle delivering respiratory gas thereto and a measuring tube opening into the tube, comprising supplying at least one jet nozzle with a respiratory gas discharging into the tube, directing a fluid through the measuring tube at a substantially constant flow rate so that the variations in the pressure in the endotracheal tube will vary the pressure in the measuring tube, sensing the pressure in the measuring tube and controlling the flow through the jet nozzle in accordance with the pressure in the measuring tube, and wherein the flow of fluid in the measuring tube is set sufficiently low that in the event of a negligible pressure drop in the tube the pressure measured in the connection of the measuring tube at least approximately corresponds to the ambient pressure in the opening of the measuring tube.

Abstract: A respirator device particularly for use in association with a tube insertable into a person's trachea comprises a trachea tube having an inflatable cuff which seals the tube with the person's trachea. A line for ventilating gas extends into the tube and terminates in a jet nozzle directed to the trachea. The opposite end of the tube is provided with a connection to atmosphere which also makes it possible to provide a controlled vacuum pressure at this end particularly in the expiration phase. Control is effected between the ventilating gas and the vacuum for regulating the respiration. With the inventive method the vacuum is provided at the outer end of the trachea tube particularly during respiration and it is effected by directing a vacuum pressure gas supply connection through a Venturi connection to the tube which produces the vacuum in the tube and communicates the tube to atmosphere. This gas connection is controlled along with a ventilating pressure gas connection to provide the desired respiration.

Abstract: A positioning device for use with a tracheal tube which is insertable into a patient's trachea particularly a tube of a type which includes a respiration gas jet discharge which must be accurately positioned in respect to the first bifurcation of the trachea for optimal respiration effects. The positioning device comprises an elastic measuring probe which is insertable into the tracheal tube and has a distal end which may be projected out of the tube and which carries a carina engaging stop end in the form of outwardly foldable elements which may engage over the top of the carina on engaging the carina in a roof-like manner. The measuring probe includes an opposite end which may be manipulated by a person's hand to regulate the amount of extension of the lower end of the probe beyond the end of the tracheal tube which is inserted into the person's trachea.

Abstract: A tracheal tube comprises a hollow tube body having an open tube end and an inflatable sealing cuff disposed around the tube adjacent the tube end. At least one small diameter tube is associated with the hollow tube and it has a nozzle portion terminating in a discharge jet adjacent the open tube end for use in jet ventilation at high frequencies above 600 cycles per minute. The small diameter tube has a diameter of from between 0.4 to 0.05 .times. the inside diameter of the tube shaft and the outlet opening of the jet nozzle is arranged relative to the tube end either inside or outside the tube diameter at such a spacing that it is within .+-.5.times. the inside diameter of the tube body.