Abstract: A portable apparatus is provided which generates high purity breathable oxygen. The oxygen is produced in a reaction chamber from the reaction between an oxygen generating composition and a water/catalyst solution. The reaction chamber comprises a first compartment containing an oxygen peroxide adduct and a temperature stabilizing material formulated into controlled release tablets and a second sealed compartment containing a catalyst dispersed in an aqueous solution. The temperature stabilizing material undergoes an endothermic reaction upon dissolution in the solution. The tablets dissolve in the solution releasing hydrogen peroxide at a constant rate. The hydrogen peroxide is further decomposed into oxygen and water from contact with the catalyst. A first membrane made from a hydrophobic and gas permeable material, lets oxygen through while containing the reaction materials.

Abstract: A device for monitoring esophageal pressure in patients comprises a nasogastric tube provided with an esophageal balloon cuff communicating through wallports with a secondary lumen that leads to an external connector tube through which continuous measurements of esophageal pressure can be made without interruption of the function of the nasogastric tube. The tube may include a tertiary lumen that serves to vent the major tube lumen at the distal end to prevent excessive vacuum from developing when suction is applied to the tube.