Abstract: The present invention relates to adjustable flow control valves, for example to an Adjustable Pressure Limiting (APL) valve. The adjustable valve (2) described comprises a valve body (4) comprising a valve seat (6), a valve member (10) movable relative to the valve seat (6), a first valve cap (20), a second valve cap (50) and a biasing element (30) to bias the valve member (10) away from the first valve cap (20). The first valve cap (20) is movable to increase the biasing force applied by the biasing element (30). The second valve cap (50) is engageable with the first valve cap (20) to prevent such movement of the first valve cap (20) beyond a selected position, but to allow movement of the first valve cap (20) in an opposite direction, way from said position.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the level of liquid within a chamber (10) is disclosed. The valve comprises a liquid inlet (30) and a primary float (40) that is movable in response to a change in the level of liquid (20) within the chamber (10) between an open configuration in which liquid (20) is able to flow through the liquid inlet (30) into the chamber (10) when the liquid (20) within the chamber (10) is below a predetermined acceptable level, and a closed configuration in which liquid (20) is prevented from flowing through the liquid inlet (30) into the chamber (10) when the liquid within the chamber (10) is at or above the predetermined acceptable level.

Abstract: A humidification chamber (10) for use in a breathing circuit to humidify gases before inhalation is disclosed. The humidification chamber (10) is adapted to contain a volume of liquid (20), and comprises a gas inlet port (16), a gas outlet port (16) and a fluid inlet (30) for introducing liquid into the humidification chamber (10). The fluid inlet (30) is provided with a filter member (60) including a plurality of exit apertures for enabling flow of liquid through the filter member (60). The filter member (60) also defines a collection chamber (69) that is disposed below the exit apertures, in use, such that foreign objects in the liquid that are unable to pass through the exit apertures fall under the influence of gravity into the collection chamber (69).

Abstract: A humidification chamber for use in a breathing circuit to humidify gases before inhalation is disclosed. The humidification chamber is adapted to contain a volume of liquid, and includes a gas inlet port, a gas outlet port, and a fluid inlet for introducing liquid into the humidification chamber. The fluid inlet is provided with a primary valve seat and a secondary valve seat. An actuating member engages the primary valve seat when liquid within the humidification chamber is at or above a predetermined acceptable level. The actuating member is deformable in response to an increase in liquid level above the predetermined acceptable level to a deformed configuration in engagement with the secondary valve to prevent liquid from flowing through the fluid inlet into the humidification chamber.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the level of liquid within a chamber (10) is disclosed. The valve comprises a liquid inlet (30) and a primary float (40) that is movable in response to a change in the level of liquid (20) within the chamber (10) between an open configuration in which liquid (20) is able to flow through the liquid inlet (30) into the chamber (10) when the liquid (20) within the chamber (10) is below a predetermined acceptable level, and a closed configuration in which liquid (20) is prevented from flowing through the liquid inlet (30) into the chamber (10) when the liquid within the chamber (10) is at or above the predetermined acceptable level.

Abstract: A humidification chamber (10) for use in a breathing circuit to humidify gases before inhalation is disclosed. The humidification chamber (10) is adapted to contain a volume of liquid (20), and comprises a gas inlet port (16), a gas outlet port (16) and a fluid inlet (30) for introducing liquid into the humidification chamber (10). The fluid inlet (30) is provided with a filter member (60) including a plurality of exit apertures for enabling flow of liquid through the filter member (60). The filter member (60) also defines a collection chamber (69) that is disposed below the exit apertures, in use, such that foreign objects in the liquid that are unable to pass through the exit apertures fall under the influence of gravity into the collection chamber (69).

Abstract: A medical respiratory apparatus includes a chamber (10) which is at least in part at least translucent. The chamber (10) includes a float member (12) formed of an inert material and contains, in use, a fluid intended for inhalation. The float member (12) is adapted to float upon the fluid intended to be contained within the chamber (10) and has a peripheral dimension adjacent, but less than, the internal peripheral dimension of the chamber (10). At least the outer peripheral surface of the float member (12) has a coloration distinct from that of the fluid to be contained within the chamber such that the level of the fluid within the chamber (10) can be readily observed.

Abstract: A water trap suitable for use in a mechanical ventilation circuit comprising a cap with an inlet and an outlet, a fluid collection vessel engageable with the cap, and a rotatable closure with at least one aperture interposed between the cap and the vessel. The vessel is operably linked to the closure such that engagement or disengagement of the vessel from the cap causes the closure to be rotated. The cap is formed with an internal partition extending into abutment with the closure to define a chamber via which the inlet and outlet are in fluid communication and the closure forming a base of the chamber. When the vessel is engaged with the cap, the closure has a first orientation in which the at least one aperture is located within the periphery of the skirt in the base of the chamber and the vessel is in communication with the chamber via the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A closure device (10) is disclosed for use with an access port (62,72,82,92) of a medical respiratory apparatus (60,70,80,90). The closure device (10) comprises a cap (14) that seals the access port (62,72,82,92) save for an opening (28) in the cap (14), and a closure (16) for sealing the opening (28). The cap (14) includes a portion of flexible material (26) in which the opening (28) is formed, and is hingedly mounted with respect to the access port (62,72,82,92).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the manufacture of a float (30) comprising the following steps: providing a mould (10) having a first enclosure (12) opening into a second enclosure (14) of greater dimensions than the first enclosure (12), and an inlet (16) into the first enclosure (12), the first and second enclosures (12, 14) together defining the shape of the float (30); injecting a mixture comprising plastics material and blowing agent into the inlet (16), such that the mixture passes through the first enclosure (12) and then into the second enclosure (14); and causing or allowing the mixture to set, thereby forming the float (30). The float (30), the mould (10) and a fluid storage chamber (60) including the float (30) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A closure device (10) is disclosed for use with an access port (62,72,82,92) of a medical respiratory apparatus (60,70,80,90). The closure device (10) comprises a cap (14) that seals the access port (62,72,82,92) save for an opening (28) in the cap (14), and a closure (16) for sealing the opening (28). The cap (14) includes a portion of flexible material (26) in which the opening (28) is formed, and is hingedly mounted with respect to the access port (62,72,82,92).

Abstract: A medical respiratory apparatus includes a chamber (10) which is at least in part at least translucent. The chamber (10) includes a float member (12) formed of an inert material and contains, in use, a fluid intended for inhalation. The float member (12) is adapted to float upon the fluid intended to be contained within the chamber (10) and has a peripheral dimension adjacent, but less than, the internal peripheral dimension of the chamber (10). At least the outer peripheral surface of the float member (12) has a colouration distinct from that of the fluid to be contained within the chamber such that the level of the fluid within the chamber (10) can be readily observed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the manufacture of a float (30) comprising the following steps: providing a mould (10) having a first enclosure (12) opening into a second enclosure (14) of greater dimensions than the first enclosure (12), and an inlet (16) into the first enclosure (12), the first and second enclosures (12, 14) together defining the shape of the float (30); injecting a mixture comprising plastics material and blowing agent into the inlet (16), such that the mixture passes through the first enclosure (12) and then into the second enclosure (14); and causing or allowing the mixture to set, thereby forming the float (30). The float (30), the mould (10) and a fluid storage chamber (60) including the float (30) are also disclosed.