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: An apparatus for insufflating a treating gas into a patient and for measuring a carbon dioxide content exhaled by the patient includes a hollow body with a partitioning wall separating the body into inhalation and exhalation manifolds. Two hollow prongs have coaxial openings close to the body which allow gas exchange for breathing and carbon dioxide measuring purposes. The holes are of a size such that suction drawn through the holes is limited while still allowing accurate gas analysis.

Abstract: This invention is a nasal cannula (10) having a septum (15) therein, and two nares (13, 14) each having a hole (37, 35) therein to help prevent occlusion of the device from secretions. The cannula is connected to an oxygen source (G) and a CO2 monitor (A).

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: An intermittent gas-insufflation apparatus insufflates a quantity of the gaseous fluid into an entrance of a respiratory system of a breathing patient during an exhalation interval of an immediate breathing cycle and into a subsequent inhalation interval of a successive breathing cycle. The intermittent gas-insufflation apparatus includes a valve assembly, a sensor and a controller. The valve assembly actuates between a closed state to prevent the gaseous fluid from flowing from a source of gaseous fluid to the patient and an opened state to establish gaseous fluid flow to the patient. The sensor detects changes in breathing pressure of the patient throughout the immediate breathing cycle and to generates sensor signals characteristic of the changes in the breathing pressure thereof.

Abstract: An intermittent gas-insufflation apparatus insufflates a quantity of the gaseous fluid into an entrance of a respiratory system of a breathing patient during an exhalation interval of an immediate breathing cycle and into a subsequent inhalation interval of a successive breathing cycle. The intermittent gas-insufflation apparatus includes a valve assembly, a sensor and a controller. The valve assembly actuates between a closed state to prevent the gaseous fluid from flowing from a source of gaseous fluid to the patient and an opened state to establish gaseous fluid flow to the patient. The sensor detects changes in breathing pressure of the patient throughout the immediate breathing cycle and to generates sensor signals characteristic of the changes in the breathing pressure thereof.

Abstract: An intermittent gas-insufflation apparatus insufflates a quantity of the gaseous fluid into an entrance of a respiratory system of a breathing patient during an exhalation interval of an immediate breathing cycle and into a subsequent inhalation interval of a successive breathing cycle. The intermittent gas-insufflation apparatus includes a valve assembly, a sensor and a controller. The valve assembly actuates between a closed state to prevent the gaseous fluid from flowing from a source of gaseous fluid to the patient and an opened state to establish gaseous fluid flow to the patient. The sensor detects changes in breathing pressure of the patient throughout the immediate breathing cycle and to generates sensor signals characteristic of the changes in the breathing pressure thereof.

Abstract: A breathing circuit apparatus used with a nebulizer device that generates an aerosol is adapted for use by a user for inhaling the aerosol through the user's nose and/or mouth and thereafter exhaling exhalation gas through the breathing circuit apparatus. The breathing circuit apparatus includes a container, an inlet valve, an outlet valve and a user connection port. The container defines an interior chamber therein and is coupled to the nebulizer device. The inlet valve is connected to the container and includes an air inlet port for one-way air flow of ambient air into the interior chamber. The inlet valve moves between a closed condition to prevent the ambient air from entering into the interior chamber and an opened condition to permit the ambient air to enter into the interior chamber. The outlet valve is connected to the container and includes a gas exhalation port for one-way gas flow of the exhalation gas.

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 nasal cannula assembly designed for contact with the nasalabidial area of a patient's face comprising a nasal cannula, a pair of auxiliary oxygen supply tubes connected to the opposite ends of the nasal cannula, a slip loop disposed about the auxiliary supply tubes, and a main oxygen supply line. The nasal cannula is made of a flexible plastic material that is dip molded into a hollow tubular member having a main body portion whose cross-section is oval shaped with a vertical orientation and having a pair of spaced hollow tubular extensions projecting upwardly in a curved configuration from its upper surface. The main body portion has a horizontal axis extending along its length with an elbow formed at each end. An arm portion extends from each of the elbows and the axis of the arm portion intersects the horizontal plane of the axis of the main body portion at an acute angle from above the horizontal plane.