Abstract: A respiratory care device utilizes pressurized oxygen to pump an oxygen/air mixture to the patient. The device comprises a coupled turbine and blower. The pressurized oxygen drives the turbine which pumps air through the blower. The oxygen may be mixed with the air in selected ratios and delivered to the patient. Droplets may be added to the oxygen, to the air or to the mixture, upstream or downstream of the device or within the device.

Abstract: A recirculating fiber filter (1) and method is provided for removing particulates from moving fluid streams. High aspect ratio fibers (2) are used which readily nest with each other to form the high voidage fiber filter bed. In the method, fibers are continuously removed from the bottom of the bed regenerated to remove particulates and recycled back to the top of the bed and distributed thereon. Dirty fluid is passed from the top to the bottom of the filter. Dendrites of the particulate impurity appear to buildup in a thin section (A) at the top of the filter and provide the primary mechanism for further particulate entrapment. Recirculation of fibers offers a continuously fresh volume of fibers at the top for capture of particulates.

Abstract: An improved solenoid is disclosed. The improvement consists of injection molding one or more components of the magnetic return circuit of the solenoid, particularly the magnetically permeable can, from a polymer having a filler of soft magnetic material at preferably a 20-63% by volume loading level. The injection molded polymer filled solenoid has higher efficiencies than expected based on the decrease in total metal content.

Abstract: An aspirator/nebulizer for use in inhalation therapy has dual oxygen nozzles extending into a cylindrical chamber into which air can be aspirated in a controlled manner via closable air holes. A 50 psig oxygen source can be diluted to atmospheric air to yield an oxygen/air mixture comprising less than 30% oxygen at the conventional patient flow rates of 30-60 liters per minute. The dual oxygen nozzles also allow pure oxygen to be delivered at rates of at least 40 liters per minute when such high flow rates of relatively pure oxygen are needed for short term therapy.